Definitely not a nice guy (Graphic)

Snowy Egrets can be aggressive, but this guy takes it way too far. He chased her around for awhile, but then he just attacked her and held her down in the water. I think this is called RAPE. Did he learn this routine hanging out with the ducks??? Luckily she survived, but obviously she wasn't in great shape.

Great, unusual capture Betty. This had little to do with mating, if at all. This is territorial enforcement, I've seen Great Egrets do this as well. It's brutal to watch but I'm guessing it's very effective.

Great behavioral capture Betty

Nighthound wrote in post #17571916
Great, unusual capture Betty. This had little to do with mating, if at all. This is territorial enforcement, I've seen Great Egrets do this as well. It's brutal to watch but I'm guessing it's very effective.

Very interesting to know that, Steve. So this battle was probably between 2 birds of the same sex for that particular area (Venice Rookery). Understandable, as I know most animals try to make a certain area their own and will fight anyone who enters that area. I don't think his rival will be back very soon if that's the case. Thanks for the info.

Interesting shot! Sometimes these are difficult to watch, but one has to be careful to not impose human morality on animal behavior.