An intraspecific mortal attack between Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens) in Northern Colombia

Abstract

In birds, intraspecific killings are uncommon and occur in the context of cannibalism, nest site competition, new mate acquirement, or aberrant behaviors. However, in herons (Ardeidae), it has been rarely reported outside instances of siblicide. This report describes the first observation of an adult Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) killing a juvenile conspecific. The possible reason for the killing was the invasion of the adult's foraging territory.