Mantling
Definition:
(verb) The action of hunching shoulders and spreading wings over a recent kill to conceal it from other birds and predators who would be potential thieves. Many birds of prey practice mantling after a kill while they are feeding on the ground, particularly in open areas with less shelter or cover to provide natural concealment. While mantling, the feeding birds may exhibit other nervous behavior including frequent looks at the surrounding area to scan for intruders or shuffling feet to continually readjust the mantling cover.
Birds of prey put enormous efforts into each hunt, and success rates vary from as high as 85 percent to as low as 10 percent. Birds that are frequently seen mantling are often larger species that typically have lower hunt success rates and more reason to guard a successful kill fiercely.
Pronunciation:
MAN-tuh-ling
Also Known As:
Covering, Shrouding
(verb) The action of hunching shoulders and spreading wings over a recent kill to conceal it from other birds and predators who would be potential thieves. Many birds of prey practice mantling after a kill while they are feeding on the ground, particularly in open areas with less shelter or cover to provide natural concealment. While mantling, the feeding birds may exhibit other nervous behavior including frequent looks at the surrounding area to scan for intruders or shuffling feet to continually readjust the mantling cover.
Birds of prey put enormous efforts into each hunt, and success rates vary from as high as 85 percent to as low as 10 percent. Birds that are frequently seen mantling are often larger species that typically have lower hunt success rates and more reason to guard a successful kill fiercely.
Pronunciation:
MAN-tuh-ling
Also Known As:
Covering, Shrouding