this post was submitted on 04 Jun 2024
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A surprisingly wide range of animals will engage in play behavior
Bumblebees have been shown to love having small beads around for them to roll around and on
Edit: sheer amount of people replying who can't just let the silly birb have fun. Guess what, dogs and cats derive play behaviors from predation too, doesn't mean that play ain't play.
I think you're right, but i also remember learnning that some birds have learned to break nuts open using concrete, which i think is what this bird is trying to do
And, that's how you get UNinvited to my parties. 🤫
first time was an accident. second time was for science.
Third times totally a party trick.
Do they wear the blue helmets?
If I'm not mistaken (resolution doesn't help), this bird is a Siriema. They use this movement to kill their prey (usually reptiles like snakes and lizards, but also frogs and small rodents). It is not playing, it is confused, thinking the ball is food.
can't both be true though?
Yes
Do it once because it's instinct
Keep doing it because it's fun (had an unexpected amusing result, which is the basis of fun, really)
I am just picturing some alien biologist studying us
"This human is operating a video game called a FPS. It may seem like he is playing but really his instincts for self defense and attack are just misfiring. It isn't recreational it is just confusion"
Humans also derive play behaviour from foraging and predation. Play is play, and everyone can have fun, no matter the species.
I saw a fox doing the same thing with a tennis ball some dog left behind at the park.
This isn't play, its probing to see if it can break open the funny egg and eat it. These birds do this to all their prey.