Re: Folding Feathers Out of the Way

[Stanley Friesen <sarima@friesen.net>]

At 06:36 AM 6/24/00 +1000, Dann Pigdon wrote:
> And yet when eagles or vultures seriously fight amongst themselves, it
> is usually done feet first. I have seen eagles, vultures and condors all
> flip onto their back while scrapping on the ground, presenting their
> talons in the air to ward off attack. It doesn't seem to be a submissive
> posture either, rather a defensive one. When raptors fight in mid air
> they also often lock talons, rather than buffeting each others wings.
> All of these behaviours may be a way of protecting important flight
> feathers,

Rather, I would say it was a way of bringing their most potent weapons into 
the battle!  Their talons are sharp and powerful - and deadly; the wings 
would at most be slightly annoying.

> Of course you also have birds like the spur-winged plover that go and
> throw a spanner in the works by using their wings agressively.
Spur-winged eh.  Gee, that seems to fit my hypothesis above.

--------------
May the peace of God be with you.         sarima@ix.netcom.com