Western Kingbird Takes On A Raven
Filing away photos, I came across a folder within a folder of photos taken a few years back while camping at Lake Powell, Arizona. The following three-photo action series was already processed and ready to share.
So here you go!
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There once was a Common Raven….
“Here me roar….”
who landed in a Western Kingbird’s territory.
“I see you below me, Mr Raven……time for you to go!”
The Western Kingbird was not happy with this uninvited intruder and bravely attacked the Common Raven numerous times.
He was in such an aggressive, agitated state, the Western Kingbird began snapping his bill and flared the rare appearance of his tiny red crown that is normally hidden under his gray crown.
Western Kingbird, flaring its red crown, attacking the Common Raven
The Common Raven quickly decided to move on, and the Western Kingbird flew back to guard duty high up in his tree.
All in part of a day’s work for the mighty Western Kingbird!
The raven can sure bend it’s neck, wow! Nice photos Donna! 😎
Thank you, John! He may have not known he could do it either! hee hee
Wow, Donna. I have never seen that red crown! There is a good reason that kingbirds are known by their genus name, “tyrannus!”
Thank you, Tanja, I’m glad to show a peek of it to you. I got to watch that Kingbird for over a week and he was quite feisty! 🙂
I love all Kingbirds, Donna. We get the Western, Cassin’s, and Eastern species each summer, and I miss them after they are gone.
I’ll be keeping my eye out for the Cassin’s Kingbird in my western travels! 🙂
For some birds, once their territory has been marked, they will defend it even if their lives depend on it! Excellent captures, Donna. 🙂
Thank you, HJ! We were there a week and he guarded the area around us the whole time. 🙂
What an encounter! I hope neither was hurt. Hope you are having a good week 🙂
I was shocked as I watched and photographed the action, but then quickly learned that the Western Kingbird will defend his territory even against hawks. Kudos to the little guys!! No one was hurt, and I think the Raven was lucky. Having a great week, Takami, I hope you are too!
“You are OUTTA HERE!” I’m imagining the voice of an umpire. 😄
Late last week, I watched a crow aggravate the crap out of a squirrel in my front yard sugar maple tree. I had to laugh. That squirrel was just a barking and the crow kept messing with him. He seemed to be enjoying himself (herself?).
Spot on!! I can hear that umpire, lol. I can imagine the crow and squirrel. Sometimes it seems wildlife will tease another species just for the fun of it. I’ve seen Eagles seem to love to scare other birds, I think they fly low sometimes just to see them scatter, when they obviously don’t go after one for a meal. 😉
Heh. They are like children.
Wow, that was a good moment to happen upon, and capture. “A Folder within a Folder” would make a good title for a series. I am still finding some surprises as I peruse my drives.
Thank you, Jane. That should have been my title, lol. I’ll be watching for your post titled as such! 🙂
Great Shots Donna!
Ravens are very smart birds,probably the smartest. They know the only birds that are brave enough to attack are the ones that are far quicker than they are! Plus they will always attack from the rear!
Thank you, Wayne! This Raven found the wrong perch this time. 🙂
Lovely series. Glad you took out of its hiding place. (Suzanne)
Thank you, Suzanne!
Nice series Donna! Fun to see the interaction of the two.
Thank you, Reed!
What a great photo sequence! 😊
Thank you, Irene! 😊
Brave little bird! Very nice, Donna.
Great sequence, Donna. No wonder they are called King-birds!
Thank you, Eliza. He certainly proved his name that day!
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.
Great shots! Size does not matter in the bird world!
No it doesn’t! 😉
A great little story Donna, and so much like our aggressive little birds here, they are just so brave and bold and will take on much larger birds which would normally kill and eat them. But persistent aggression pays off in the long run, coupled with their agility and speed compared to the larger Raven, even though it is more intelligent.
Thank you, Ashley, YAY for the little ones! 🙂
Well one is common and the other king!
Perfectly said! 😊
Those little ones can be quite feisty. I think our kingbirds are quite a bit smaller.
Thank you, Gunta, all for the underdog most times 🙂
What a great opportunity to see this behavior! Nice shots!
We always root for the underdog! 😉 Thank you, Lisa!
Absolutely! We are always seeing mockingbirds attack American Crows. Not long ago, I watched 2 mockingbirds attack a red shoulder hawk. Then the cardinals and blue jays attacked as well. The red shoulder hawk wasn’t fazed as it ate whatever bird it attacked in the close knit bird families. I suspect it was a Carolina Wren because they were going crazy. It was awesome to see all the other species come to their defense even though the damage was done. That they were working together was amazing. Humanity could take a page from that book! 😊