These birds are common wading birds of Africa, found in grasslands, rainforests and urban parks. They seek mainly earthworms, and as we could observe from afar, they continuously poked their long bills into the ground in search of food but not even once did they venture into the water to seek. However the birds are also known to feed on insects, small lizards, snails, spiders and beetles.
I believe these birds would make repeat visits to the taman in view of the numerous long fat worms they managed to dig up.
This handsome pair seemed unfazed by our presence and continued with their foraging.
However they were disturbed by one walking past them talking loudly on the mobile, and their piercing raucous cries could be heard as they flew off in different directions.
This was indeed a striking pair and one would assume that the less attractive one, the browner one would be the female.
It's interesting to observe that the browner one spots a more striking red on its upper bill compared to its partner, the one with the more beautiful glossy green on its wings.
One flew right up to the top of the tallest palm tree and continued to cry out.
An hour later when I came up to the same spot, the pair was already down on the ground again. It was another photo opportunity of this gorgeous creature.
This time despite spotting me they continued foraging, as I was just a quiet observer.
Another loud intrusion from a taman worker and the birds flew up together this time into the upper canopy of nearby trees, and seemed pretty comfortable and contented to remain there, even as I left.
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