Tricolor Heron caught a catfish
The dynamics of swallowing a large catfish
Step by step swallowing
1)Holding the fish
Washing the catfish
Positioning the catfish to swallow head first
Positioning the catfish for optimal swallowing
Washing the fish
Finish washing
Demonstrating a flexible neck - 1st stage of swallowing
2nd swallowing stage
More swallowing
Completed swallowing
Catfish outline in the neck
Down down down
Completed swallowing - note the bulge in the lower part of the neck and compare with the next image
Completed swallowing
Drinking a bit of water
Finished drinking
Pre drinking a 2nd time
Preparing to take off with extra weight
Takeoff
Takeoff
In flight
In flight
In flight
In flight
Roseate Spoonbill fishing (sweeping an area)
C. Frank Starmer