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To: nickcarraway

It’s common in the bird world to literally kick out certain chicks. There are two main reasons. If the adult bird feels that the harvest is lean, they will starve some chicks until they die so the others will be stronger and survive (that Darwin thing). The other is because they perceive one or more of the chicks is weak, doesn’t fight for food, etc. Similarly, the perceived weak chick will be intentionally starved.

If a chick is “kicked out of the nest, it is usually not a mistake. If it were, the parent would grab it and bring it back.

Humans messing with nature.


10 posted on 05/02/2022 1:45:02 PM PDT by OrangeHoof ("Rust" may be the first movie where the blooper reel gets more viewings than the actual film.)
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To: OrangeHoof
Humans messing with nature.

Yep

11 posted on 05/02/2022 1:46:35 PM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: OrangeHoof

I think that you are correct.

I read somewhere that eagles typically lay two eggs, several days apart. The first-born hatchling is expected to live. The second is the insurance policy. When the first-born develops enough to show a high probability of continued growth and life, the eagles jettison the second eaglet out of the next, presumably as a treat for the foxes below.


20 posted on 05/02/2022 4:30:46 PM PDT by T. Rustin Noone (the angels wanna wear my red shoes......)
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