What does an agitated male cardinal frequently singing and facing its reflection imply?
Answer
It is very likely treating the reflection as a rival male intruding on its claimed ground
During territorial defense, particularly in the spring and early summer months, male cardinals actively assert dominance over their perceived space. When a male encounters its own reflection in shiny surfaces like windows or mirrors, it interprets this image as an intrusive rival male encroaching upon its established territory, which may encompass a favored food source or nesting site. This agitation, often accompanied by aggressive behavior or constant singing, is a direct display of asserting dominance over perceived boundaries rather than interacting with the human presence inside the structure.
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