Just because you’re an apex predator, it doesn’t necessarily mean you get the respect you think you deserve. In this footage, angry parents see off an unwelcome visitor.
Mark Fox of Exploring Kruger submitted this amusing footage, which he filmed while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Ruling the roost
As Mark’s video begins, we see a large raptor perched on a dead tree. To its right are two starlings, species unknown.
We call the bird of prey an African harrier hawk, formerly known as a gymnogene.
Notorious nest raider
Harrier hawks are notorious nest raiders, and as such, they are the nemesis of any breeding bird in their vicinity. Accordingly, the starlings are none too happy about its presence.
Consequently, one of the starlings launches an assault on the unsuspecting raptor. As it surveys its surroundings, it has no idea of the harassment it is about to endure.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Amusing sightings, like these starlings mobbing a raptor, are popular with our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button below to join the WhatsApp chat right now, and never miss another thrilling moment.
Attention, please!
Considering the massive size difference between the two species, the starling shows great courage by diving directly at the harrier hawk’s head.
However, perhaps because the smaller bird attacked so unexpectedly, the larger bird barely flinches. But after the first fly-by, the starling most definitely has its attention.
Squawking encouragement
Without missing a beat, the starling banks steeply and dives once more at the raptor. This time, the hawk opens its sharp bill, as if warning the starling to back off.
However, by this stage, the smaller birds’ blood is well and truly up. Time and again, it swoops in while its mate looks on, squawking encouragement.
Doubling up
Subsequently, when the raptor still refuses to move, the other starling decides to join in the attack.
We call this behaviour mobbing. In it, smaller birds literally gang up on a predator, using a combination of noise and aggressive flight to agitate the unwelcome visitor.
In effect, they are telling the predator that it has been spotted and should expect no peace until it leaves the area.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
I give up!
After several intense moments of being dive-bombed by the increasingly frantic starlings, the hawk finally gets the message.
Lifting its wings high above its head, the raptor launches itself from its perch. Meanwhile, the two starlings resume their, looking on with smug satisfaction as their enemy departs.
For the bird of prey, this is the only sensible move. Firstly, the starlings are far too agile for it to try catching them on the wing.
Secondly, the commotion is bound to attract the attention of other birds. As a predator, it is in its best interests not to draw attention to itself.
More about African harrier hawks
Found across much of tropical, sub-Saharan Africa, harrier hawks are easily identified by their long legs and yellow facial skin.
Interestingly, they have double-jointed ankles, which allow them to reach into inaccessible nests and holes when looking for prey.
