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Butcherbird 1 v Blackbirds 0

To: <>
Subject: Butcherbird 1 v Blackbirds 0
From: "Val Ford" <>
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 10:12:04 -0800
Terry Pacey's piece about the butcherbird devouring the Noisy Miner has
reminded me of a similar observation in my back yard.

A few weeks ago I realised that the Common Blackbirds were very agitated.
Was there a snake or a blue tongue lizard in the yard? - probably not
because only the blackbirds were calling.

What I did discover was 9 blackbirds, watching and complaining about, a Grey
Butcherbird killing an adult blackbird whilst holding it on the ground.  The
other blackbirds, some of whom had come from the surrounding neighbourhood
to support the four residents , stayed around until the victim gave it's
last gasp.  When they departed the butcherbird leisurely nibbled away at its
meal.

I have seen blackbirds very agitated before and then seen a butcherbird
nearby.  However I assumed the butcherbird was trying to get to the young
birds and not an adult.

Val Ford
Sorrento, Vic



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