Possible explanation for the "dead" eaglet

Posted by NewMexiKen on Apr 27, 2016; 4:03pm
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/Possible-explanation-for-the-dead-eaglet-tp7574488.html

There appears to be no question that the second eaglet did indeed survive the fight with its older sibling. I really want to see more photos of both in the nest to reassure us all that it was not seriously injured and continues to do well. Sorry I am out of town and unable to take part in this.

At first I wondered whether the "dead" eaglet may have been a third and even younger nestling, but what I now think happened was that this may have represented a defensive strategy which protected the weaker sibling from further attack.

I have seen this kind of behavior in small birds when a hawk suddenly appears. Usually the birds scatter into protective shrubbery and remain perfectly still. If surprised out in the open they may "freeze" in place as long as the threat is present.

As a kid I often helped my grandfather catch chickens which roamed in our adjacent yards. If I cornered one by extending my hands in front of it (almost like a hawk swooping down) it would sometimes simply become motionless, crouching low. I could pick it up and even turn it on its back without it trying to escape.  See "How to Hypnotize a Chicken" in the The Old Farmer's Almanac.