The “raptor cartwheel” is a spectacular sight to see. But why exactly do these birds of prey engage … [+]
Pixlr / Sreenivas
Raptors are both elegant and capricious in nature, and they never fail to captivate observers with their majestic aerial displays. Among the many behaviors exhibited by these magnificent birds, one particularly enthralling act stands out: the “raptor cartwheel.” This breathtaking yet mysterious phenomenon, witnessed in various raptor species, has sparked both curiosity and debate among researchers and laypeople alike.
What Is The Raptor Cartwheel?
The raptor cartwheel involves a combination of behaviors, according to research from The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. It begins with the aerial locking of talons between two raptors, referred to as “talon-grappling” or “talon-locking.” Then, they initiate a descent toward the ground in a hypnotic spiral motion, akin to that of a cartwheel.
They continue this graceful cartwheeling until almost reaching the ground, where they release each other, bringing an end to their beautiful display. Occasionally, however, their daring aerial performance results in collisions with obstacles below, including the ground, vegetation or bodies of water—resulting in either injury or death.
Why Do Raptors Cartwheel?
The purpose behind cartwheeling is a fascinating aspect of raptor behavior that has intrigued researchers for years. Various studies show this behavior to be rooted in aggression.
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Based on observations across 39 species of birds of prey, it was found that a significant majority of cartwheeling events are indeed linked to aggressive interactions among raptors, according to research from the Journal of African Ornithology. The authors explain that this display may be a result of aggressor raptors’ attempts to drive opponents into the ground, and the spiraling maneuver to be a result of each raptor vying for the upper dominant position.
These aggressive interactions are thought to stem from intense competition for vital resources, such as food and territory, as well as the defense of offspring against potential threats. In this way, cartwheeling may serve as a means for raptors to assert dominance and establish hierarchies within their populations, which is crucial for maintaining access to essential resources and ensuring reproductive success.
The raptor cartwheel has also been described as an act of play and may serve as a form of practice or exercise—particularly for young birds. Juvenile raptors, such as the gray hawk, have been observed to engage in cartwheeling behavior, potentially to hone their aerial skills and coordination in preparation for future hunting and territorial disputes. This playful activity may allow younger raptors to develop crucial survival skills while simultaneously strengthening their social bonds within raptor communities.
Cartwheeling As An Act Of Courtship
Despite its predominant association with aggression or “playfighting,” the raptor cartwheel may also showcase a softer side to these formidable predators. Certain observations—both from the Journal of African Ornithology and others—suggest that it can serve as an act of courtship among some raptor species.
The tawny eagle, bald eagle and bearded vulture are among those documented engaging in this enchanting display as a prelude to copulation. In these instances, the act serves as an elaborate mating ritual, showcasing the birds’ agility and coordination.
While primarily observed during aggressive interactions between raptors fighting for territory or resources, or between parents training their young offspring, the cartwheel also reveals the mesmerizing nature of raptors’ love lives. Amid the soaring aerial battles and territorial disputes, the cartwheel also serves as an unexpected display of affection. As two birds lock talons and spiral elegantly through the air in an extreme form of a trust fall, they sometimes, quite literally, fall for each other.