birding-aus Grey-fronted Honeyeater chasing Peaceful Dove

birding-aus





I have worked at the Argyle Diamond Mine in the north east Kimberley in
Western Australia for 10.5 years.  I have just observed something that I
haven't seen before.

On two occasions a Peaceful Dove landed on the ground outside my office.
Within seconds a Grey-fronted Honeyeater chased the dove off very
aggressively.  The honeyeater came from 10 to 20 metres away.  The
Grey-fronted Honeyeaters have recently fledged one young, but the juvenile
is self sufficient (I saw it feeding alone yesterday) although it is still
making some begging calls as it forages.

I have observed the Grey-fronted Honeyeaters nesting several times (see my
postings to birding-aus about 18 months ago) and they were never concerned
previously about the presence of doves.  I can't understand why they would
be concerned, as they shouldn't be competing for any resources.

Any suggestions?


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