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Dec 22, 10:23 PM
gretchen_AEF (Admin): INFO on bonking . . . The older bird is larger, heavier, and more developed than the younger bird, so it requires more food and is avid for its share. Siblings will thus compete for food and parental attention, with one bird attempting to out-compete or dominate the other.The younger bird soon learns to keep a low profile until the older has been satisfied and quickly learns to use its wits, making grabs for food or doing 'end runs' around the larger bird. This behavior occurs more within the first two weeks of life, declining as the siblings learn. Siblicide (one eaglet killing or causing the starvation of another) appears to be rare in bald eagles. (Hornby Eagle Group Projects Society)