Sibling Rivalry?

[DoggyMom]

Watching the Ustream live video it seems at times that Callidora is attacking Jemison. Is this what is happening? If so, could Callidora do any serious harm to Jemison?

[Dumpsterkitty]

It's funny-I was thinking exactly the opposite-how there hasn't been much fighting at all.  Even the meals seem relatively civilized compared to other nests I've watched.  But they are built to take some abuse from siblings, so I wouldn't worry.  At this stage you will see them preening each other,  picking bits of leftovers off each other, and whacking each other with their wings.  Usually no harm in any of it.

[DoggyMom]

It looked to me like she was pecking at her sister. I never thought it could be preening but that certainly seems likely. Thanks for explaining that.

[huddiecat]

It could be allopreening or it could just be Callidora letting Jemison know who is first in line...the old pecking order theory.  It is found in many avian species.  It didn't look too aggressive though.