What aerial maneuver does the defending male Costa's Hummingbird often employ against intruders?
Answer
Flying up and diving down repeatedly using speed to intimidate
When defending his established feeding territory, which usually consists of a patch of flowering plants or a feeder, the male employs active and persistent tactics. If a rival bird is perceived, the defense strategy often involves highly aggressive aerial maneuvers designed to intimidate the trespasser. This includes flying rapidly upwards and then diving down repeatedly toward the intruder, leveraging speed to force the rival out of the lucrative resource area.
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