Risky behaviour
-
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:11 pm
Risky behaviour
I have seen a number of NZ falcons recently in the South Island. I two cases, single passerines have appeared to deliberately taunt the falcon by getting as close as close as possible. The pics are from Albert Town near Wanaka on 6 April '21. I can't work out what the small birds have to gain from such behaviour other than a type of avian machismo. Any ideas?
- Brent Stephenson
- Posts: 583
- Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 1:51 am
- Location: Havelock North, New Zealand
- Contact:
Re: Risky behaviour
Falcons mostly hunt by surprise ambush. These birds are very aware of the presence of the falcon, and in some cases may be 'mobbing' it - a behaviour that is meant to let the falcon know that the birds know it is there and make other birds in the area aware of its presence. When mobbing the birds will often be flitting around and calling persistently, often an alarm call. The falcon is not interested in going after these birds in most cases, as it know it has little chance against such a bird.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Brent Stephenson
Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - Great birds, real birders
Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - Great birds, real birders