A Feathered Feud, Bird Mynah

 

A Feathered Feud: Capturing the Squabbles of Mynahs #BirdPhotography #NatureDrama

Imagine settling down on your balcony for a peaceful afternoon, only to be interrupted by a heated argument erupting overhead. Not from your neighbors, but from a pair of mynahs! Their fierce squawking piqued my curiosity, and with a photographer's eye, I grabbed my camera, capturing this avian altercation in stunning detail.

The high-zoom lens compressed the background, leaving the focus entirely on these passionate birds. But what sparked such a fiery debate? As I delved deeper, the reasons became clear.

The Stakes of the Squabble:

• Territory: Just like humans, mynahs become territorial during breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting sites from rivals.
• Food Frenzy: Just a few crumbs might be enough to ignite a squabble, especially when resources are scarce.
• Love Triangle: In the battle for mates, male mynahs can become particularly aggressive, protecting their potential partners.

Beyond the Brawl:

While their squabbles may be amusing to witness, mynahs are surprisingly social creatures. You'll often find them foraging together in groups. However, their social side can have a dark edge. During breeding season, males can claim vast territories, excluding native birds from their rightful homes.

Unveiling the Mynah:

These medium-sized birds come in a variety of colors, with some boasting striking yellow heads. Their communication skills are impressive, with a repertoire of croaks, squawks, whistles, and even growls. Interestingly, disputes usually involve just two birds, with their companions acting as hecklers on the sidelines.

Mynahs: More Than Meets the Eye:

Despite their competitive nature, mynahs are surprisingly cooperative when facing a common threat. These songbirds will put aside their differences to defend against larger predators, a testament to their survival instincts. Mynahs also play a vital role in the ecosystem, as they readily warn their fellow birds of approaching danger.

From Superstition to Companionship:

Seeing a single mynah is believed to be unlucky, while two symbolize a constant companion. This reflects their social nature and their capacity to form strong bonds with humans. Mynahs can even be kept as pets, thriving on human interaction and capable of learning to talk!

Beyond the Squabble:

My captivating photograph, aptly titled "Intense Argument," captures the essence of a mynah squabble. These birds are more than just feisty brawlers; they are intelligent, social creatures with a fascinating story to tell.

Text and Photo by: Ashok Karan Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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