Birds are friendly and love to live in flocks. They forage, exercise, and play in pairs or small groups of birds of the same species. In some instances, you may observe a group of little birds chasing after a bird of a larger size boldly, and you wonder how that is even possible considering the other bird’s size. In this article, we will discuss why such behavior is observed in birds and what it means.
Here are seven reasons why little birds chase big birds:
1. Instincts and Genetics
Due to their intuitive nature and genetic makeup, little birds see large birds as threats and are likely to attack if they encounter one.
2. Competition for Resources
The availability of limited resources as compared to the population of birds in a given habitat promotes competition. Hence, little birds chase big birds to protect their food supply.
3. Defending Their Territory
Many bird species are territorial during the breeding season. The female birds become protective of their nests, while the male birds usually set up territory to attract mates.
Hence, it’s common to see little birds chasing after big birds during this period.
4. Being Protective of Their Young Ones
Little birds sometimes chase away big birds to protect their eggs and young ones from predation. When a large bird comes near its nest, the little bird will attack or harass the intruder to chase it away.
This is a survival technique for little birds to avoid extinction, as large birds eat the eggs and fledglings of smaller bird species.
5. Predator-prey Relationship
Large birds prey on those with smaller bodies. Hence, little birds have adapted to recognize and react to the presence of a potential predator.
6. Establishing Dominance
To establish a hierarchy within its group of birds, a little bird will take the initiative to chase a large bird from intruding on a given territory.
It’s a way of showing the other birds that it’s the dominant one and that it’s not afraid to defend its position.
7. Resentment Due to Past Experience
As a result of bitterness due to a negative experience with a big bird, a little bird will attack if it sees a big bird.
Why Do Small Birds Follow Hawks?
1. For Protection
Most predators that prey on small birds are usually the main food source for hawks. As the hawk flies to search for food, the small birds follow it for protection.
The birds use the hawk’s eyesight and hunting skills to evade being attacked and eaten.
2. Hunting For Food
Hawks are more efficient hunters and can quickly locate and capture prey. This is due to their speed and sharp hunting skills.
As small birds cannot find and catch the prey on their own, they will follow the hawks to get food.
3. Sharpening Their Hunting Techniques
As experience is the best teacher, small birds learn more about how to hunt by observing hawks while they are in action. Through constant learning, they can polish and improve their hunting skills.
Why Do Small Birds Attack Hawks?
The following are some of the reasons why small birds attack hawks:
1. Hormonal Changes
During the breeding and nesting seasons, the behavior of birds is likely to change due to a surge in hormones.
The small birds become aggressive and can attack other birds, animals, and even humans. Despite the small birds benefiting from the hawks, they also attack them.
2. For Defense
If a small bird feels that a hawk is threatening its territory or young chick, it will attack the intruder to defend itself or the offspring.
3. Protection of Food Sources
Small birds usually nest in areas with an abundance of food. This ensures they have enough food to sustain themselves and their chicks once they hatch until they move to another site.
If they feel that their food supply is being threatened by hawks, the small birds may attack to protect their food source.
How Do Small Birds Attack?
The following are some of the tactics that small birds use to attack big birds:
1. They Attack in Groups
As there is power in numbers, small birds mob in twos or as a group. Through their combined efforts, they can distract and confuse potential predators.
2. They Can Ride on Larger Birds
Small birds usually target intruders from above or behind, aiming for the head and wings. They closely follow them and can even land on larger birds, such as hawks or eagles.
They then harass and disorient the big birds, making it difficult for them to hunt or fly efficiently.
3. Through Vocalization and Distraction
By making various pishing and warning sounds, small birds can alert flock members and birds of other species about the impending danger.
The warning calls attract the attention of other birds to come and join efforts in driving away the intruder.
4. Physical Intimidation
Some bird species, such as chickadees, will dive at and touch the predator while in flight to startle and intimidate it.
Some use their sharp bills to strike and peck at the intruder while targeting sensitive parts like the eyes and nostrils.
Why Are Small Birds Bold in Their Attacks?
Small birds are bold in their attacks due to the following reasons:
1. They Have Small Body Sizes
Being small in size and their flexibility allow small birds to evade any attack from the bigger birds easily.
2. Use a Variety of Vocalization
Small birds can produce different sounds when communicating with other birds in their flock. Hence, they can intimidate and confuse their enemies, who may not understand their communication language.
3. Their Attacks Are As a Surprise
When attacking, the small birds choose their attacks carefully when the larger bird is unaware. The attacks are often from above, mid-flight, or behind where the hawk is perched.
Do Hawks Go After Small Birds?
No, hawks usually do not go after small birds when they chase them. This is because:
1. Most of the time, the small birds are not chasing them out of fear or aggression; they do so to learn, get food, and for protection.
2. Small Birds are flexible and capable of making quick turns, thus making it easy for them to escape.
3. It will cost them too much energy to perform mid-air maneuvers.
Why Do Small Birds Fly and Attack Crows?
Crows are nest predators and are fond of stealing other birds’ food. Hence, it’s a common occurrence to see a small bird flying after a crow while chasing it away from its territory or nesting area.
Small birds attack crows to protect their nests, offspring, and resources from being depleted.
Do Small Birds Follow Eagles?
Yes, small birds can follow eagles. If an eagle is flying near a given bird habitat, the small birds will combine efforts to harass and drive the eagle out of their nesting and foraging areas.
So, why do small birds follow eagles?
Small birds will follow eagles as a way of:
1. Deterring eagles from preying on their young and eggs.
2. Showing off their strength and resilience to other potential predators.
3. Enhancing their status within their social group, thus, making them more attractive mates.