An unusual instance of a bird getting trapped by a clam

Abstract

On 29-8-1958 while on a field trip to Manali Island in the Gulf of Mannar a small bird similar to the common snipe was found trapped by the clam, Catelysia opima on a sandy stretch which was exposed being low tide then (see fig. below). It was about 9 a.m. in the morning and the bird was seen in a helpless condition with the tip of the beak inside the clam as shown in the photograph. Due to the weight of the clam it was unable to raise its head or stand on its legs. The valves of the clam were tightly closed and the beak which had got crushed was bleeding slightly. Except for the above, the bird was quite normal and healthy.