We have an enormous Christmas tree behind our house. Everybody thinks they are good for nothing, but in reality they are like one huge building. Different kinds of birds live and defend every level. Fights break out if one species dares to intrude on a level above or below. Yesterday , like every year around this time, the Yellow-faced Honeyeaters arrived. They take up residence on the middle level, just below the territory occupied by the Lewin’s Honeyeater that stay all year round.
While I was observing the new arrivals, suddenly the Lewin’s dropped down from above , grabbed one of the Yellow-faced and took him down. He had his claws firmly attached to the feathers of the slightly smaller bird. He then tried to flip him on his back. The Yellow-faced wasn’t strong enough to gain the upper hand, screaming loudly, he had to concede defeat. Eventually he got away, leaving a pile of feathers behind. Lesson learned, don’t mess with a Lewin’s, they are very strong.
(it happened so fast, only got this one photo
)
Wow! I had no idea that the lewins are so territorial and agressive
Great shot!
They are as agressive as the wattlebirds living on the next floor up in that tree, and get into fights with the New Hollands on the lower level.
M-L
He sure looks proud of his victory
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
It's kind of like the pantomime - the good guys wear white, the bad guys wear black. In a contest between two honeyeaters with yellow faces, the 'bad guy' triumphed.
Well captured! Such emotion on both of their feathery little faces.
This is a great shot! What amazing action!
Dave, Sydney.
Fantastic to witness this but to get a great photo to share too... priceless!!
Sounds like you don't need to leave home to see fascinating bird activity. How lucky! :)
Kim
Melbourne – South-East
Thanks guys, i just had a closer look at them. Although the Lewin's has a feather stuck to his foot, the looser has a few more of the victor in his claws.
As I was watching them yesterday, the Yellow-faced Honeyeaters seem to be more agressive than the Lewin's? They even take eachother down. (unless it's part of a mating ritual?)
M-L