When is a bird likely to mantle?

A bird is likely to mantle when it is standing over quarry because this behavior helps protect its prey from potential threats and indicates ownership over the catch. Mantling involves spreading the wings and often lowering the body to create a visual barrier, making it difficult for other predators or interested onlookers to see the prey. This behavior is a natural instinct aimed at safeguarding its meal, signaling that the bird has successfully captured its quarry and is preparing to eat or defend it from competition.

While a bird might engage in other behaviors when actively pursuing prey, such as diving or soaring, mantling specifically applies to the moment just after the capture. This distinction highlights the bird's protective instincts that are triggered when it has secured food. In contrast, the pursuit phase involves different dynamics where the bird is focused on chasing and attacking, not on protecting quarry.