I often see crows attacking kites. Considering the difference in size. why attck against the odds?
2006-10-26 01:47:28 · 12 answers · asked by Tom P 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
The crows recognize the red kites as a predator and are trying to drive the kite out of their territory. The red kite is actually a scavenger and would be unlikely to kill a crow, but the crows don't know this, they only know that when they chase and bombard the kites they fly away regardless of size. They act a bit like Yorkshire terriers that will attack anything no matter how big it is. They attack kestrels, sparrow hawks and buzzards in the same way. Our golden eagle regularly gets bombed by crows when we go out flying.
2006-10-26 10:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Aquila 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think a lot of the Americans answering this question dont realize that you are not talking about the kites that children fly, but a bird of prey in Europe.
The crows attack them because they see them as a threat. We see the same behaviour in the US with our hawks. Its a defense mechanism. You would think the bird of prey would take out the attacking birds, but I have never seen that happen.
Crows do seem to be more likely to exhibit this behaviour, but I have seen other birds do the same. Kingbirds, mockingbirds and Jays are often seen "mobbing" here in the States. I have found owls perched in trees by listening for birds "scolding".
2006-10-26 08:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well... Crows are quite boistrous and dont care for anything much in thier Air space.
I will tell you that I have seen crows attack bald eagles in Mid Air...
It happens all the time here by a local waterway... 3 or 4 will bomb dive the poor eagle... over and over..
Considering they like to nab any lef tovers from an eagles kill,,, youd think they would be more friendly to him?
But score one for the Eagle because about 2 weeks ago we drove by and there was MR Eagle sitting on a rock.. stnading on a fresh kill.. a kill of what...YUP.. you got it .. a crow..
But get this.. while he just killed one of thier buddies in a definite display of air superiority.. what are the other crows doing?? but bomb diving this eagle while he eats...
So frankly... as much as I work with birds and wildlife and love it all.. Ive decided teh Crow is just not too bright really!
Stubborn, gutsy but not all that smart!
I have no facts to back it up only my observations and opinion!
Good Luck
Wismom
2006-10-26 02:40:35 · answer #3 · answered by Wismom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They dont attack red , in actual sense they love Red and thats the only way they express their love of Red kites.
who hates red? Red rose , red kites
Try fly a red kite on `14th Feb , you'll enjoy free comedy in the sky.
2006-10-26 02:01:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like Bulls crows dispise Red.
2006-10-26 01:54:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Crows will gather together and attack alot of things. i have seen them even swoop down at coyotes before. They have natural enemies, such as owls and hawks, that they will constantly torment, so it may be mistaking a kite for one of its enemies.
2006-10-26 02:26:18 · answer #6 · answered by vbeaver31 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they attack red kites because red is attracting for crows
2006-10-26 01:56:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because Crows are one of the bullys in the bird world.
They are AERIAL PREDATORS...and think they are better than the other birds.
2006-10-26 01:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by SK8TERGURL~1~NOT~ 2/davesslave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they see the kite as a threat to their territory. especially if there is a nest nearby.
2006-10-26 08:57:55 · answer #9 · answered by deathwishpussy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called "mobbing" they do it to most birds of prey including owls to drive them off
2006-10-26 01:58:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋