Claudia Apfelthaler recorded this video and submitted it, along with her story to Latest Sightings. She witnessed this strange interaction on the S114, on the Biyamiti loop in the Kruger National Park.
Disturbance of the peace
Claudia told Latest Sightings that she had stopped to enjoy the scenery at a low-level river crossing. Nearby, terrapins sunned themselves on a hippo’s back, while a black stork waded in the shallows.
She said, “I’m always on the lookout for birds so when I saw a black stork, I immediately zoned in on him and was taken aback when another one landed next to him and the two started fighting.”
Like all storks, black storks have elongated beaks used to grab their prey, such as fish and amphibians. As shown in the video, they also use them to fight with one another.
Fighting for what?
It is difficult to say with any certainty what caused the fight to break out. Possible explanations include battling over territory or resources.
Combat strategies
As the video played, it seemed that whichever bird was physically above the other would dominate proceedings.
To achieve this, the two storks clashed with their beaks, attempting to outmanoeuvre one another.
Next, we see the battle tilt in favour of one of the storks when it manages to insert the tip of its bill into its opponent’s mouth.
Having done so, the stork has better leverage. With this advantage, it gains a superior position; forcing the other bird’s head down.
No choice but to yield
To prevent injury to its throat, the other bird must physically yield.
Using this advantage, the aggressor can physically dominate its foe. All the other bird can do is continually yield, hoping to avoid injury.
Aside from this likely advantage, when one looks at how deeply the stork’s beak penetrates the throat of the other, one wonders if it trying to steal a meal.
Overwhelming victory
Ultimately, the relentless attack forced the other stork into complete submission. Driven to its knees, with its long neck compressed, it can offer no more resistance.
Nevertheless, to reinforce the lesson, the dominant bird keeps the other in a humiliating state of submission for an extended period.
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Point made
Finally, as if satisfied that the other bird has surrendered, the aggressor bird ends its assault, flying off a short distance.
Relieved, the other stork dips its head as if acknowledging defeat.
Not straying far, the victor kept a close eye on its rival. And with that, the setting returned to the tranquil state in which Claudia found it.
Summarizing her experience, Claudia said, “I was surprised at the attack but soon realized there was probably a whole territorial thing going on between these birds.
“I guess I learnt a lot as I always assumed they were just peaceful. Luckily both birds survived and went on about their separate ways.”
Her tip for fellow wildlife enthusiasts: “Always be on the lookout and have your camera ready at all times, if you are into getting wildlife footage. Sometimes the most surprising scenes take place very quickly”.