10 replies to this topic

[mmosconi23]

I apologize in advance if I don't respond right away, but was wondering if the experts could help me out with something. I have never seen this happen before this year, but have noticed it 3 times this summer...

We know Turkey Vultures are not really predators, and the avian world knows this as well. Therefore, as far as I know, most species don't see them as a threat. But like I said, 3x this summer, I have seen other species actively warding them off as if they were Red-Tailed Hawks. The two species I'm sure of were Red-Winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles, and I'm unsure of the other.

These Vultures appeared to be doing their usual "rounds", and had not found food or been close to anything that resembled a nesting area.

To the experts, why is this happening? Is this a new phenomenon?

And I am no expert, but have been birding for 13 years, so I know a TV when I see one. Definitely not hawks or BV (unfortunately). Thanks for any help you can provide.

~ Matt

[fisherman1313]

Icterids (American blackbirds) are very protective of their nesting areas and will persecute anything perceived as a threat until the "treat" leaves the area. If they see a vulture as a threat then they will harass it until it is out of the territory.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

I've never seen birds harrass vultures, but I have seen plenty mistake them for hawks and scatter when one soars by. Seems like a logical next step that some of the more aggressive passerines might go on the attack. Cool thing to witness!

[RyanWarnerPa]

This Red-Winged Blackbird was not happy with this vulture at all, raised quite a ruckess.

[triciav83]

I see it all the time. We have Black and Turkey Vultures here. I've watched them be chased away by Great-Tailed Grackles and Mockingbirds mostly, though a puffed up House Sparrow gave one a run for its money not that long ago. As was mentioned previously, the birds are probably on high alert because of their nests and will chase anything away.

[Sparky the Cuttlefish]

Yup, Turkey Vultures, to my understanding, are no threat to these birds or their nests, yet I see blackbirds chasing off TVs almost daily in the breeding season. I think it's just the result of a territoriality supercharge. Black Vultures are way more aggressive, and will kill newborn and/or weak mammals, but I don't think that there are many accounts of them being a threat to any other birds, except for the occasional night-heron fledgling. I'm not sure what the mobbing rates are like with Black Vultures, though. I wonder if it's the same, or greater than the mobbing rates for Turkey Vultures? That might be interesting to find out.

[mmosconi23]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Like I said, I never recall witnessing this before, so it was a cool and peculiar thing to see. Thanks again.

[BigOly]

In Baja I see Costa's Hummingbirds chase off TVs once in a while. Now that's a funny thing to watch!

[mmosconi23]

In Baja I see Costa's Hummingbirds chase off TVs once in a while. Now that's a funny thing to watch!

Lol; may as well be flies.

[triciav83]

we went to the outlets on Wednesday and as we were driving up the highway, I saw a big black bird being chased away by a smaller bird. When we got closer, I could clearly see a Mockingbird dive-bombing a Black Vulture. It is always something to see these little birds with no apparent fear.

[BigOly]

Call me a fly? Bring it on!