crows against crows

[durotriges]

There are many posts about crows attacking crows but is the following event unusual? About 2 weeks ago in a cliff top field at Studland Dorset I saw a flock of about 20 crows swarming in the air and making a terrible din. A few minutes later on a footpath between the fields I saw a crow standing in front of me. I was surprised it did not fly off & then as I approached closer I saw the top of it's head was raw with blood. The other crows had been mobbing & pecking their own species and had nearly killed it. This creature had come on the path for protection but from it's condition was unlikely to survive long. Is this common behaviour? Why had this crow been singled out?
Durotriges

[durotriges]

I meant to so at the start of my thread "many examples of crows attacking other creatures"

[Kayleigh]

Hi and welcome to WAB durotriges,

There could have been something wrong with the bird and then they attacked the weaker one. I think they do this.

[ChrisJB]

I've had a similar thing today with two male blackbirds attacking a youngster fresh out of the nest, whilst its dad was trying to drive them off. Its head was bleeding badly, all in its eyes and it seemed very weak. Anyway, I have manged to give it a little water, but it wouldn't eat any mealworms. It's currently in a box with a towel and if it makes it through the night I'll take it to the local bird hospital place tomorrow.

Regards, Chris

[witham]

I agree with Kayleigh that it could be that they have 'picked off' the weakest one, in a case of survival of the fitest, they all seem to be extra hyper at the moment spring fever I suppose,

[durotriges]

Thanks for that. I suppose it is survival of fittest and may be weak & old ones are picked out as they all fight each other for a piece of carrion.