Tiny parrot refuses to beak off when a gang of macaws try to mug it for its prime nesting spot.
The palm tree trunk would be a perfect home for any large bird but this is what happened when a parrot tried to stake a claim for it.
As the bright green bird took its place at the top of the tree outside a hospital, it was immediately swooped on by a pack of much bigger macaws.
The real-life pecking order battle was filmed by paediatrician Dr Delcides Neto in Palmas, the capital city of the state of Tocantins, in central Brazil.
As the parrot sees off one interloper, others arrive and start fighting among themselves.
Then the parrot takes to the air to chase off another rival but soon swoops back to claim the top spot, taking angry nips at the rival birds.
Dr Neto told local media: “It drew attention because there was a lot of noise and many people who were entering the emergency room stopped to see because the noise was quite loud.
“I don’t know how long it lasted, but they continued chatting rather heatedly.”
Biologist Renata Acacio told local media that these kinds of disputes often take place in March, which is when the images were filmed.
Acacio said: “There is a period of the year when they reproduce.
“Here in Palmas they usually prospect for nests in March. Maybe there was not much on offer.”
She added that the local University and the authorities should research the number of nesting areas available to macaws.
Macaws are social birds and typically form strong, monogamous pair bonds.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Central European News
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