This morning (in a US Midwest backyard) I watched some interesting behavior by what I think were Chipping Sparrows (lbjs, clear breasts, and some very sharp "chip" calls).
I didn't get a good look at the two birds because for 15 minutes they were moving almost non-stop. One bird was closely chasing the other through and around several tall evergreens, circling extensively (and when they paused they were usually well hidden in the greenery). There was a bit of calling, but not extensive and I didn't see any signs of aggression - just constant high speed chasing. As I watched longer and tried to figure out what was going on, I thought perhaps the lead bird was the more agile, so that made me wonder if it was flight lessons for a youngster. I saw the second bird start following a little less closely at the end I believe.
Have others seen something like this with small passerines? It really looked like learning evasive maneuvers. If is was earlier in the season, I might have thought it had something to do with pairing or defending territory, but it seems the wrong time for that.
I didn't get a good look at the two birds because for 15 minutes they were moving almost non-stop. One bird was closely chasing the other through and around several tall evergreens, circling extensively (and when they paused they were usually well hidden in the greenery). There was a bit of calling, but not extensive and I didn't see any signs of aggression - just constant high speed chasing. As I watched longer and tried to figure out what was going on, I thought perhaps the lead bird was the more agile, so that made me wonder if it was flight lessons for a youngster. I saw the second bird start following a little less closely at the end I believe.
Have others seen something like this with small passerines? It really looked like learning evasive maneuvers. If is was earlier in the season, I might have thought it had something to do with pairing or defending territory, but it seems the wrong time for that.