Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Amazing - Swallowtail Butterfly Dominates Hummingbirds At Nectar Feeder!


Amazing Video:  Swallowtail Butterfly Dominates Hummingbirds

Swallowtail Butterfly Fights Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Swallowtail Butterfly Rule The Hummingbird Feeder!


Swallowtail Butterfly Dominates Ruby Throated Hummingbird

No Room For Hummingbirds  Here!

Swallowtail Butterfly Fights Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Aerial Battle For Nectar Feeder Dominance -  Won By The Butterfly!

I'm not sure this phenomena has been well-documented before, but it is amazing on at least two counts - one the butterfly is hovering by rapidly flapping its wings like a hummingbird to drink nectar from a feeder, and two - the butterfly is totally dominating the nectar feeder and chasing away the hummingbirds with deliberate acts of aggression. I observed this odd behavior and fortunately it continued for some time - allowing me to get my camera set up nearby on a tripod without disturbing the actions. This Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly pushes around both male and female Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds at a small nectar feeder. Very surprising since the hummers spend the day violently fighting each other for dominance of the feeder. I know they are the smallest birds in the world, but they should remember they are indeed birds and not let insects push them around. Perhaps the amazing cheekiness of this Swallowtail has thrown them for a loop - they don't know what to do - it wont even share the feeder with them! It is also possible the butterfly it is under the influence of the high octane artificial nectar and acting out of character!

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