Unusual ? Blackbird behaviour

[watsthat]

Saw 2 male blackies in a hawthorn hedge yesterday; one on its back, still alive, the other on top driving its beak repeatedly into the others chest. There was a repeated, unblackie like, mewling cry being made but I couldn`t tell which one was making it. I suspect the one being attacked was making the call because the one on top was other wise engaged apparently attacking with its beak.
Does anyone know what was the reason for this behaviour and is it common/normal?

Cheers

Pete

[Dogghound]

Sometimes thrushes get very protective over their food source, you often see mistle thrush attack other thrushes andkeep them away from favoured feeding sites. Blackbirds are none-territorial during the winter so its most likely related to food.

[watsthat]

Yes, I`ve witnessed aggressive mistle thrush behaviour, especially when a pair nested in an elm tree overlooking our garden. They bossed our garden until 4 chicks fledged.


Thanks

Pete