Power struggles

Quite a discussion at the feeder!

Birds do a lot more than feed when they visit our feeders. As they come and go, they also interact with each other in a well-established pecking order. At your feeder, watch for displacement, threat displays and appeasement behaviors.

Displacement occurs when one bird gets out of the way of another bird. It also shows when one bird waits on the sidelines for another bird to finish eating and fly away. Within the same species, males tend to dominate females, and older birds dominate younger ones. But you can see bigger birds displacing smaller ones.

Threat displays are when one bird does not need to displace a subordinate one to exert influence. Certain displays convey aggressive behavior. A dominant White-breasted Nuthatch performs a wingspread display and sways side to side in the direction of the subordinate bird.

Appeasement displays by subordinate birds are the opposite of threats. Watch for birds that lean away or look away from a newly arrived bird. Watch positioning when three Black-capped Chickadees work out their positions at a feeder. If two birds tolerate each other, they may be mates.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Dominance at feeders is more than bullying; it can be life or death. Research shows that dominant birds forage in safer spots and at safer hours of the day when there is less predation. They get eaten less often by predators, are able to maintain a better body condition through leaner winter months, and have higher survivorship.

Temperament also plays a role. Red-breasted Nuthatches are notoriously aggressive and will dominate chickadees when given the chance. Carolina Wrens appear oblivious to other birds and don't move until ready. On the other hand, watch a flock of Cedar Waxwings. These birds appear to get along with one another very well.