canberrabirds

Eagles & Starlings

To: "Philip Veerman" <>
Subject: Eagles & Starlings
From:
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 08:49:37 +1000

That would explain the behaviour I saw.
Thanks

Marnix



"Philip Veerman" <>

24/04/2006 12:45 PM

To
"Marnix Zwankhuizen" <>
cc
<>
Subject
[canberrabirds] Eagles & Starlings
  Classification
 





Hi Marnix,
 
As I wasn't there I don't know exactly what the situation was but..... forming tight flocks and flying in circles is one of the characteristic responses of Starling to various raptors. This for the same reason as little fish do it (as sharks, dolphins, tuna etc attack). Each bird trying to get close to the centre of a flock (further from the danger) makes the flock become more spherical. Probably makes a somewhat borderline prey for a Little Eagle into an even more difficult choice.
 
Philip
 
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