I know of no bird that is more inclined to attempt to steal food from other members of its own species than Pied-billed Grebes (although gulls are right up there too). When one of them catches a fish chances are excellent that another grebe will move in and try to take it away. They’re almost obsessed with thievery and if the fish is a relatively large one that can’t be swallowed easily and quickly the potential thief has more time and opportunity to snatch it away.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A week ago I watched as this grebe surfaced with a fish at Farmington Bay WMA. The fish was so large that the bird had great difficulty getting it down the hatch. It tried frantically to swallow it before an interloper moved in but…
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
those plans didn’t work out. Here we see the rightful fish owner beginning to put on a burst of speed as another grebe approaches from the right.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The potential thief really pushed the issue…
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
to the point that the first grebe had to repeatedly run across the water with its prize.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
That happened time and again over a period of about a minute.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Here the first grebe is keeping a close eye on the aggressor so it can put on another burst of speed when it gets too close.
Eventually the grebe with the fish dived with it and I don’t know for sure what happened after that. The fish may have been swallowed underwater or it may have been released because it was just too large to swallow.
Kleptoparasitism may be intraspecific (both birds are the same species) or interspecific (the parasite is a different species from the victim) but I’ve seldom (if ever) seen Pied-billed Grebes try to abscond with food belonging to another species.
Perhaps that’s because these grebes are usually the smallest birds on the pond.
Ron
Too bad their jaws don’t “unhook” as with certain snakes. Really interesting series, Ron. Actually kinda rootin’ for Mr. Fishie this time. 😉
My internet’s been down (thanks, Frontier), so I wasn’t able to chime in on yesterday’s post, but I heartily agree with your choice!
Late to the party, but so very grateful to get here.
Loved the series, but was strongly reminded of one of my father’s sayings ‘eyes bigger than its stomach….’
My dad said that too, EC.
Great series. It would be interesting to know if it swallowed a fish that large. I have seen grebes chase coots and vise versa but the grebes usually dive and end the chase.
April, I’d wager that the grebe could have swallowed the fish if given enough time. And maybe it did anyway…
Just love this series, Ron! Thievery is alive and well, across (many) species. If you can get away with swiping your meal, well, many folks will choose to do that. But as always, Karma works. Like you said, “What goes around…” 🙂
Thanks, Laura. You’re right, when you think about it most species steal food when given the opportunity. And it isn’t limited to the bird world (or humans) either.
Reminds me of the new administration for some reason. Our national symbol, the Bald Eagle never seemed more appropriate…(the champion of kleptoparasitism)..amazing that a bird that small can actually actually fish that big…
They’re great “fisherbirds”, Patty.
Even more anazing is that they can actually swallow a fish that size!
LOL Patty…that was my first thought, too. Birds of a feather…LOL!
Love your next to last picture best!!!!! Can’t wait to get my camera issues resolved it’s gotten to where ” what’s the point of taking a picture it isn’t going to be usable…
I can imagine your frustration, Marina. Good luck with your gear problems.
A wonderful series! I feel sorry for the original bird, because all I could think of was having something huge jammed down my throat and having to keep moving, when all I wanted to do was swallow… I’m glad that you were able to capture these behaviors – they are always entertaining for those of us who are not actually participating in the activity.
I feel sorry for the victim too, Susan, but then I remember that the tables will likely be turned on those birds sometimes soon. What goes around comes around.
Great behavioral sequence! I prefer action sequences in nature over portraiture. Your excellent pictures and commentary are very informative and enjoyable.
Thank you, Robert. I’m not sure which one I prefer (action or portraiture). I enjoy them both and I’m glad I don’t have to choose one over the other… 🙂
Needless to say, your images stand out in both categories. Thanks for your dedication and skill.
Wonderful behavioral series Ron!
charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Nice! Can’t believe it didn’t choke given the size of the fish and the harassment from the other grebe!
I’m not sure it DIDN’T choke, Judy. 🙂
Great series…those interlopers are a pain 🙂
I’m sure they are to their victims, Zaphir. But I love to photograph their belligerent behaviors.