In the nature including fisheries this 2Fer is due to what is called kleptoparasitism.
Kleptoparasitism is the theft of prey caught by another animal, acting as a common foraging strategy where predators (e.g., seabirds, fish, mammals) steal food to save energy or access otherwise unattainable, high-quality prey. It is frequent among gulls, skuas, and raptors, which often target diving birds like ospreys or pelicans.
Key details regarding this behavior include:
• Types: It can be intraspecific (within the same species) or interspecific (between different species).
• Examples: Bald Eagles steal from Ospreys, Magnificent Frigatebirds force other birds to regurgitate fish, and bonefish ambush pelicans to snatch baitfish.
• Mechanisms: Often, this behavior is driven by intelligence rather than just aggression, allowing animals to target specific, high-value prey.
• Conditions: It becomes more common when food is scarce, as it is an alternative to foraging i.e. when competition is strong.
• Marine Impact: It can significantly affect the amount of food brought to bird colonies, affecting chick survival.
This, often referred to as "piracy," is not just a random event but an evolutionarily stable strategy that balances the risks of retaliation against the rewards of a "free lunch"
Last edited by Bill Cody; 03/09/26 01:45 PM.
