Birds Kleptoparasitism

western gull (larus occidentalis) in pursuit of elegant tern (thalasseus elegans)



flying cormorant has taken fish 1 in water

skuas (including smaller species known jaegers in north america) masters of piracy. victims typically gulls , terns, though other fish-eating species (including auks) pursued until disgorge catches. fact skuas swift , agile fliers—and gang on single victim—aid in success rate.

during seabird nesting seasons, frigatebirds soar above seabird colonies, waiting parent birds return nests food young. returning birds approach colony, frigatebirds (which fast , agile) drop down , pursue them vigorously; have been known seize tropicbirds long tail plumes. many of frigatebirds colloquial names, including man-o -war bird , pirate of sea, clear reference kleptoparasitic behaviour. study of kleptoparasitism in magnificent frigatebird suggests amount of food obtained kleptoparasitism may marginal.

intraspecific kleptoparasitism occurs between gulls

gulls perpetrators victims of kleptoparasitism, species exhibiting behavior, particularly during breeding season. while victim member of same species, other (principally smaller) gulls , terns targeted. in americas, heermann s gulls, , laughing gulls known steal food brown pelicans; pelicans surface , empty water bills, gulls lurk nearby , grab escaping food items. several species of gull steal food humans, example takeaway food @ seaside resorts.

several species of coots , gallinules have been recorded engaging in kleptoparasitism. american coots feed in company of other waterfowl species, , rob diving ducks—including ring-necked ducks, redheads , canvasback—when surface food. eurasian coots steal conspecifics, diving , dabbling ducks, , swans. allen s gallinules rob both conspecifics , african pygmy geese.