“I saw these two Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis maculatus), one juvenile and the other adult having a mid air conflict (above). Below is a composite of some images of the conflict.
“Have watched this form of ‘social’ behaviour between adults and juveniles over many years, I am inclined to think it is a juvenile pressing (harassing) an adult for food. There comes a time in every parent care of a juvenile, when they are old enough (immature/subadult) to feed for themselves, that a separation of responsibilities/duties has to occur. Often the process can be painful with the juvenile continually calling and chasing the adult. The adult has to be firm and allow the juvenile to grow up.
“I have also often seen these ‘chase-fights’ among Black-naped Oriole and above is a composite image to illustrate it.
“Saw two engaging in the activity yesterday for more than 50 seconds. As usual it was fast and furious with one being the aggressor. Often there is actual physical contact.
“From my watching of these ‘chase-fights’ activities over many years (also seen often with Black-naped Oriole chasing away crows), I think they are protection of nesting sites with another bird accidentally (?intentionally) straying near a nest.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
20th April 2014; 8th February 2015
Location: Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban environment