[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Subject Index][Author Index]
Re: BAAD BCF
Re: Jeff's posting:
> What are chickens trying to do when they flap their
> wings when you chase them? Are they remembering their
> flying roots and trying to fly (and unintentionally
> producing drag by extending thier wings), or are they
> trying to boost running speed?
>
> LN Jeff
Yet another strategy that animals use to avoid being eaten is to
try and look larger than they actually are. Feathers and wings
help accomplish this nicely. A wing-flapping, loudly honking
goose creates an impressive and imposing presence. In the case
of a fleeing chicken, since chickens have a fairly high birth
rate, maybe the intent is to draw the predator away from the
flock, even at the cost of the individual's life. (And here we
always thought "chicken" was a pejorative term!)
Kata McCarville
Colorado School of Mines