Black-eared Fairy (Heliothryx aurita, Trochilidae) using a gliding flight like falling leaves when leaving nest

Abstract

In forest of the Brasilian Amazon, the Black-eared Fairy (Heliothryx aurita) uses a gliding fall, similar to that movement presented by the fall of a dead leaf, when leaving the nest. This behaviour may protect adult or nest against forest hawk predators. © 1990 Verlag der Deutschen Ornithologen-Gesellschaft.