gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

My wife and I were in the car yesterday afternoon, headed for a favorite shop of hers. On the way, we came upon a scene macabre. About 6-8 crows were diving down at two other crows, who were engaged in a mortal combat on the ground- literally. One of the crows had the other down on the ground, and was viciously pecking it in the head - over and over. The other crows were sounding off, as if cheering on the winning combatant. I stopped the vehicle, lowered the window and started to take some photographs. Eventually, to get a better angle, I got out of the truck and moved to another vantage point. Several of the crows flew off, but the pair on the ground seemed not to notice me at all. It was as if the crow that was winning the fight was high on something - probably adrenalin - and had no fear of me at all. He actually looked my way, sounded off loudly, then kept up his unceasing aggression towards the other, who now lay limp beneath his pounding. A few of the birds lit in the overhanging limbs, looking down at the action as if they were kibitzing. :-) I am attaching some of the pics from that shoot. My only regret is that I did not think to video everything.

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parishard

1. This type of action is not unique to crows. Try chickens and turkeys. The term "pecking order" was not just a random term picked out of thin air.
2. I grew up on a daily diet of fried chicken and turkey as a result of this daily type of behavior among birds.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Very interesting--great photos.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I have never seen crows do that. I've seen it in other birds, though. Nice series.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

I've never seen this...and hope I never do! Sad! But they're very good images, gym!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

I'll have to agree with Sue.