One of the more interesting bird behaviors I’ve been witness to.
I’ve posted a couple of other photos of this behavior in the past but this one is new to my blog.
1/1600, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Years ago while I was watching feeding Canvasbacks on Glover Pond a behavior broke out that I didn’t understand at first. The male on the right (his head is muddy from feeding in the shallow water) had been minding his own business alongside his mate when the male on the left swam up to him.
The two males began pushing against each other while they were face to face, reminding me a little of Sumo wrestlers. As they did so they kept spinning around and around in clockwise circles and that behavior continued for what seemed like a long time. Suddenly and without warning a more traditional and rather vicious fight broke out that ended with the interloper being chased off by the male with the muddy head who then returned to his mate.
That circling routine as they pushed against each other on the water while spinning in circles was one of the more bizarre bird behaviors I’ve ever witnessed. I tried to research the behavior on Cornell’s Birds of the World (and elsewhere) but Cornell only described it as “pushing” and left it at that.
Ron
Sorry, a rushed post this morning. In order to reach my intended shooting destination as soon after dawn as possible I have to be on the road by 4:30 AM. That’s early, even for me.
I’m so very late to this party…all I’m gonna add is that is one heavy-duty mud mask! He surely had enviable, gorgeous feathers once it all came off! 😬
Chris, some of my other photos of him show his mud mask better. He must have been burying his entire head in the mud every time he dove for food.
Crazy boy! It’s a good thing humans don’t have to do that, can’t imagine how to breathe with mud up your nostrils! 😂
Another fascinating “who knew?” behavioral documentation.
Adds a whole new meaning to the phrase “Lets tango”.
You’re schedule has me wanting to go take a nap.🥱
“You’re schedule has me wanting to go take a nap”
Which is exactly what I’m about to do. G’night, Lyle.
Interesting photo of 2 ducks dancing cheek to cheek! I have watched mallards do battle over a female plenty of times but the circling behavior you describe is new to me. Hope you got out and got home before the heat of the day set in. Friends in Salt Lake City told me it was supposed to reach 100 there today! Stay cool!
Melanie, it’s supposed to be about 100 or more all week. It’s a disaster in the making.
Wow — you were definitely out at the butt-crack of dawn today! Hope you got lots of rewarding shots and stories! Today’s post is a winner — fantastic shot of incredibly interesting behavior. Glad the interloper took off and Mr. Muddy could go back to his mate.
Thanks, Marty. It was an interesting morning so the short night was worth it. Nap time in about 5 minutes though…
Ron,
Perhaps due to the muddy face, the non-muddy male thought the muddy-faced male was a female. Then all the initial “lovey-dovey” action makes some sense!
Den
Den, I suppose it’s possible but personally I doubt the mud fooled anyone.
A classic and beautifully illustrated example of the adage that ‘looks can be deceiving’.
Thanks Ron. 3.30 here. I hope your early start pays very high dividends. Very, very high dividends.
And thanks to Terri too – I hadn’t realised that the strongest paddler was leading the dance, but of course she is right.
Ha, I may have beat you this morning EC. I had to get up at 3:00 in order to get everything done that had to be done before I left at 4:30.
Goes to prove…’You can’t judge a book by it’s cover!’ (or photo)! 🙃 You’re description certainly was not what I expected! I was expecting something all ‘lovey and cuddles’. More interesting behavior to learn about. Nice you were there at the right time…timing really is everything.
Thank you, Kathy.
That is a very special photo – a keeper. Even with no story it would be outstanding, but I hope your question is answered by one of your followers who knows duck behavior. Would certainly seem to be part of the mating routine. I have watched and taken many photos of Canvasbacks, but have never seen that behavior.
Thanks, Everett. I haven’t seen this behavior since this occurrence in 2008.
I have seen a similar behavior with two male Norther Pintails although it was on land. It would have been great to see the action in the water!
Interesting, Bruce. I was unaware of any other species that do this.
Like others I assumed it was courting behaviour until I read your description. The photo is fabulous and the “story” is definitely one of the most interesting behaviours of which I’ve heard. As always, thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks, Pat. This morning I witnessed another bird behavior that was at least as interesting as this one. My photos documenting it won’t be very good but at least I saw it.
My momma used to tell me that all good things come to those who wait. Not sure any but a 6 yr old would believe that, but sometimes we just get lucky so there is hope for that shot yet.
Doesn’t look at all aggressive in the photo! If you hadn’t “explained” I would think the 2 were cuddling up! 😄 Those red eyes, particularly with the muddy face, ARE impressive…… Hope the out the door early is productive – at least it should be cool out…….
I agree! Looks lovey-dovey to me 🙂 but when Ron explained the circular movement, I figured out what was going on, they’re paddling like heck underneath in opposite directions, and the strongest paddler is leading the circular movement, but when the weakest paddler doesn’t gives up and goes away, the gloves come off!! then it’s serious business!
Terri, I thought it was romantic stuff too when I was watching it in the field. Didn’t turn out that way.
Judy, yes I think it was a productive morning, even though I haven’t yet had time to look at my photos and confirm that opinion. You should see some of the results here in the next couple of days.