Aerial combat: Vereaux's eagle vs. Pied crow.

**TStone** · 29-11-2015, 13:57

While patrolling fences and checking on the, rapidly dwindling, water levels in the Gariep river this morning, I came across a pair of black (verreaux) eagle hunting. While I was watching them, a pied crow launched a rather determined, if stupid, attack on one of the eagles. This lasted for quite a few minutes until the eagles left the area.

Apologies for the quality of the photos, it is very difficult taking pictures of moving birds on auto focus.

**PeaceOfficer** · 29-11-2015, 14:20

Wouldn't you know. I was just talking about Black Eagles this morning. Beautiful creatures!

Did the eagle concede defeat or did the crow get the message first?

**TStone** · 29-11-2015, 15:43

The eagle left the area.

**Maroelas** · 29-11-2015, 16:53

Wow!

**Messor** · 29-11-2015, 17:51

Not actually combat, more terrorism :)

Crows harass all birds of prey, but if you want to see a crows real enemy, let them catch out an owl during daytime.
Crows fear owls above anything else, and if they catch them out during daytime THEN it's war.

**TStone** · 29-11-2015, 18:51

Originally Posted by Messor

Not actually combat, more terrorism :)

Crows harass all birds of prey, but if you want to see a crows real enemy, let them catch out an owl during daytime.
Crows fear owls above anything else, and if they catch them out during daytime THEN it's war.

Yes. Serious crow hunters use owl decoys to lure crows. Crows are not my favourite birds, but I suppose they do serve a purpose. We don't have vultures in this area, the only birds I've seen scavenging around here are pied crows, pale chanting goshawks and, wait for it... black eagles.

Interestingly, yesterday I saw a secretary bird trying to kill a cape hare, it failed but the hunt lasted several minutes. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me.