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Birding/Strange bird group's behavior

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Expert: Julia Booth - 2/18/2009


Question

One of the strange bir
This is absolutely unbelievable and I just had to ask an expert about this!

A LARGE group of birds (I'd say about 20? Perhaps 25?) that look like Robins (I'm no expert -- they have red-breasts and are otherwise dark all over -- I've attached a photo, if that helps. They were VERY fast and it wasn't easy) and some sort of greyish bird (grey all-over with white and black bands on their wings) are acting very strangely.

We have two trees on our property and our neighbor has a large tree as well. All trees stand in sort of a triangular shape and aren't more than 50 feet away from each other. This strange group of birds are almost "playing tag" with each other, flitting from tree to tree. Not in one large mass, mind you, but in groups of three and fours. The sound these birds are making are almost deafening. Several birds that were flying from one tree to the other literally flew as close to me as three feet! Whilst it almost seems that they're panicking, they really seem very ... precise, in how they fly.

It's early afternoon here in northern Florida. We ARE known for strange weather (we live in Tornado Alley, though it's not the season for them, yet).

Any idea of what this is? We've only lived here for a month and have never seen this phenomenon before! Are they trying to tell us something?

Answer
Given the time of year, I'm going to guess that this is related to mating. In simple terms, they're twitterpated -like the owl mentioned in Bambi. Robins are very territorial, especially when seeking a mate and nesting. They are also very passionate, towards their mate and offspring. I know of no physiological explanation for this. It's just a behavioral observation. So it's my opinion that the birds you're seeing are not panicking so much as they are excited. (Think prom night)

The other possibility, given the tree you've shown in that picture there, is that they are drunk. Yes, berries can become fermented and when the birds eat them, they become intoxicated. I've only seen this with Cedar Waxwings. But I know it can happen with other species as well. It's rather amusing to watch. They get silly and fly into things.

Keep watching them and see what else they do. I'd bet good money that you'll have at least one nest by your house.

Julia
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentYes, you're right! We have a total of three nests in the three trees! And they DO act like they're drunk! Thank you so much! If you'd like to see video, I have that, too! :) Again, thank you!!! :) Connie


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Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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