Reading the Riot Act?

[Norm Dulak]

Our property now hosts dozens of tree swallows that are swooping around hunting for insects and exploring our 11-house bluebird trail for nesting sites. Occasionally, they appear to squabble with one another.

Yesterday, I photographed what appeared to be a tongue lashing delivered by a female tree swallow to her mate. I've posted this image here. If this image instead involved two human beings, I might conclude that the vocal one was scolding the other.

But would someone knowledgable of bird behavior please tell me what they think this photo means?

Norm

[John Chardine]

Neat capture Norm. Without knowing more about the sex, age and pair status of the birds it is difficult to be definitive about what is going on here. The bird with the bill open looks like it's perched somewhat precariously on the corner of the post and looks ready to fly off at any moment. The bill open could be a sign of defensive aggression. Perhaps the right hand bird had just flown in and was unsure of the "welcome" s(he) would receive from the bird on the left.

[Norm Dulak]

Neat capture Norm. Without knowing more about the sex, age and pair status of the birds it is difficult to be definitive about what is going on here. The bird with the bill open looks like it's perched somewhat precariously on the corner of the post and looks ready to fly off at any moment. The bill open could be a sign of defensive aggression. Perhaps the right hand bird had just flown in and was unsure of the "welcome" s(he) would receive from the bird on the left.

Thanks John. Whatever prompted this interaction between the birds, I found it interesting.

[William Malacarne]

John

It is rather obvious which one is the female.....

Bill