To have a territory implies to defend it from intruders. If it is invaded the owner has to dot the i's and cross the t's. Birds normally solve these conflicts through rituals where overt fighting is not the rule. In this case these Coscoroba Swans show their superiorirty raising the wing pretending to be bigger and more threatening. Once this show of strength is made tension fades away and each swan goes back to its place.

Tense calm on the border. These two swans patrol the border swimming with raised wings ready for combat. 2007 © Roberto Ares

But conflicts may escalate and in this case in which a cygnet is involved. It was enough reason to come to pecks and kicks.

2010 © Roberto Ares