Myna pecking Sambar's sore spot

This is a record image. This was photographed in Kabini during the IndiaWilds meet in the evening safari. The light was very low.

At a salt lick, saw this sambar with a sore spot which was still bleeding. There were a few mynas around which were pecking at the sore spot. It was quite a sad sight to see the Mynas pecking at the wound. The shutter speed was quite low so the myna is appearing as a blur. Posted this image as it shows a rare behavior.

For details of Sambar's sore spot check this thread: http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1115

Canon 50D, 100-400mm L IS USM, ISO 500, f7.1, 1/25, hand held, full frame

Comments and critiques welcome..

This is the first time I saw a myna pecking the sore spot of a Sambar. Unfortunately, I had a much longer lens attached and I could only get the head and not neck.

Earlier I had only seen flies around a sore spot and not myna taking a bite. In jungle, there is never a dull moment. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Rare record. Was the myna actually pecking at the flesh, or at the insects infesting it? Though they are omnivores, I guess it would be unusual for mynas to attack a wound on a live animal like this sambar. Did you capture any video footage?
TFS. A suggestion: Maybe this could be moved to the Natural History section where it could be discussed more thoroughly?

Thanks for the comments.

Abhishek, there were no flies or insects around. There were 2-3 mynas who were flying around and pecking turn by turn. No we didn't take any videos. Will shift this to natural history section. Thanks.

Nice rare document. The myna pecking and sambar seems to be getting relief with eyes closed, may be from itching ! So normal is the feature(sore patch), though not universal (to sambar in all forests), she has no annoyance, only consulting a doctor! Thanks for sharing.SaktiWild

Nice record mrudul. Agree this will be good in the natural history section. I think i did make a video . I can send that to you if it can be uploaded.

From what I ve seen they peck at the wound.Ive seen mynas do the same with the wounds on the back and body of gaur and elephants.

TFS
Roopak