“At the edge of the road, two male pheasants engaged in a tense battle that resembled a knightly tournament. They made numerous feints, like true fencers, trying to confuse each other. Their plumage ruffled, and they attempted to appear more imposing to psychologically intimidate their opponent. In the end, one of them couldn’t handle the pressure and fled into the field, escaping from the other male,” the witnesses said.
According to ecologist Alexander Sosnovsky, in spring, male pheasants often engage in fights, battling for females and their territory. As a result, such duels lead to stronger males pushing their less fortunate rivals into less advantageous conditions.
