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You are here: Home / Wildlife / Western kingbird takes on a Swainson’s hawk

Western kingbird takes on a Swainson’s hawk

June 29, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Western kingbird takes on a Swainson’s hawk
A western kingbird chases after a Swainson’s hawk. (© Tony’s Takes)

A little bird with a ton of attitude!

Western kingbirds are notorious for their aggressiveness toward much bigger raptors. These bullies will take on any hawk or eagle that they feel is intruding on their space and this one, clearly, was not happy with the hawk’s presence.

The hawk was perched on a pole, enjoying a calm morning on the Great Plains when the kingbird decided to attack. After making multiple dives at the perched hawk, the hawk decided it had enough and departed. That wasn’t good enough for the kingbird who gave pursuit, raising a ruckus and taking swipes at the Swainson.

I’ve seen kingbirds do this to other hawks and even much larger bald eagles, they simply have no fear.

A western kingbird chases after a Swainson's hawk. (© Tony's Takes)
A western kingbird chases after a Swainson’s hawk. (© Tony’s Takes)
A western kingbird chases after a Swainson's hawk. (© Tony's Takes)
A western kingbird chases after a Swainson’s hawk. (© Tony’s Takes)

Filed Under: Wildlife Tagged With: Kingbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Western Kingbird

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