3 ms·

I think one motivation for the onlookers is to learn tactics for future fights.

• 082349872349872 6y ago
  > "... when a bird’s death creates a vacancy in prime territory, the battle to fill it breaks out within minutes, and faraway onlookers can arrive in less than an hour." makes it seem to me that they wish to be the close onlookers. but > "Acorn woodpeckers are known to recognize relationships outside their own groups" agrees with the idea that they're learning, if not actual tactics, at least what the potential oppositional coalitions may be, and likely gauging their strengths. I wonder if they're sophisticated enough to manage the Stanleys' deferred approach to ensuring one is a member of the winning coalition? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bosworth_Field https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bosworth_Field > "Lord Thomas Stanley and Sir William Stanley also brought a force to the battlefield, but held back while they decided which side it would be most advantageous to support."