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In response to my description of a Crested Pigeon kicking its opponent Benj
Whitworth commented:
kicked! that is weird
usually they wack with their wings
Benj
Accordingly, I'll expand on the kicking sequence. The pigeons faced each
other about a metre apart on a horizontal limb. As mentioned, there was much
cooing, bowing, chest puffing and tail fanning prior to the one-sided fight
scene. Incidentally, I noticed that the eventual victor fanned its tail
much more than the vanquished bird did.
Suddenly, the seemingly dominant bird sprang at its opponent, legs
stretched forward to some extent and struck the opponent's
chest with its feet. As it sprang off the branch its momentum was
increased by a couple wing beats, so it made quite a heavy and audible impact –
Whap!!
The recipient of the blow backpedaled maybe 45cm but didn't leave the limb,
just sat staring at its attacker as if inviting another onslaught. Five seconds
later, the attack was repeated and, again, the recipient moved back about 45cm
and sat still. Ten seconds later, the dominant bird struck again, launching a
carbon copy of its previous attacks. The recipient flew about a metre to
the end of the limb and paused a few seconds before flying seven metres to the
carport roof where it remained for 15 seconds then left.
Concurrent with its exit, the leading lady pigeon (who must have been
watching from the wings) entered, alighted on the limb 50cm from the victor and
sidled towards her leading man who promptly switched roles from Bruce Lee to Don
Juan.
HANZAB doesn't mention striking with the feet but, in line with Benj's
comment, notes the birds strike one another with the wings.
John Layton
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