Susan, I think this was a fascinating observation and extra kudos for capturing
the behaviour in a photo.
Three possibilities come to mind for me: (a) play, (b) establishing dominance
within a group, or (c) territorial fighting with an outsider. The behaviour
around the incident will suggest which it was. Did the bird on the receiving
end of the altercation flee afterwards, or did all seem to return to normal?
Kookaburras are particularly aggressive in their defence of territory and if an
individual strays into another group's territory, it’s possible for a fight to
the death to ensue.
Additionally, I think your photo illustrates well how strong a kookaburra's
neck muscles are. These attach to a special bony ridge at the back of the skull
and enable the bird to beat its prey with great force. And, it seems, to hold
and dangle a rival by its head.
Cheers,
Carol
> On 31 Oct 2018, at 3:43 pm, Philip Veerman <> wrote:
>
> Sure is an odd picture. I suggest it is just one of those odd moments that a
> camera is able to record, that would otherwise be lost. As I see it, it is
> not "one of the birds was completely suspended by the beak". The grip is on
> the feathers of the face. I don't see anything requiring any explanation,
> other than just a moment of drama in a fight. Could be wrong of
> course.........
>
> Philip
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Birding-Aus On Behalf Of
> Susan Pepper
> Sent: Wednesday, 31 October, 2018 2:06 PM
> To:
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Kookaburra behaviour
>
> I have just been watching some kookaburras and witnessed behaviour I have
> not seen before. I am curious to know if any one can explain it. Two of them
> appeared to be fighting with their beaks, and twice one of the birds was
> completely suspended by the beak with the other kookaburra holding it. Is
> this normal for the species?
>
> Thanks
> Susan, Mooroolbark.
>
>
>
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