While in Brazil, I met some birds that were like none I’ve met before. That’s probably obvious, since it was my first time in Brazil and these Streamer-tailed Tyrants are only found here and a couple of bordering countries. Anywho, I stumbled upon them in what felt like a never-ending debate. Luckily, I had my handy audio translator and a heads-up from a local that this couple does this all the time. As we made our way into the valley, I spotted them as they flew and took a perch…

They ruffled their feathers and settled comfortably on a wire line. The Male spoke up, “Birds should fly less.” His partner expressed her disagreement sternly with wings stretched and a loud retort, “Birds should fly more”! This was an odd debate, especially between two birds.

This continued for some time but increased with both rocking back and forth, flapping wings, and flipping tails. The jibber jabber and expressive gestures grew louder until things became a confusing mess . It got so bad, in fact, my handy audio translator couldn’t keep up with the conversation.

Things eventually calmed, as all they always do. The couple departed towards another line, synchronizing twists and loops along the way. It was like watching something from a fairytale, two beautiful love birds flying off into the sunset. Although I didn’t observe a resolution, I was happy to see that a couple could have opposing views and still maintain a close bond.

Thinking there was nothing else to see, I was prepared to pack up and leave when I heard the Female say , “Birds should fly less!” Now I was more confused because a short flight ago, I was sure she said the opposite. You’d think this means all things are settled! Nope, the Male ironically responded, “Birds should fly more!”, stating the opposite argument . Of course, they started again with the cawing and thrashing. Yet again, this eventually faded, and they flew back to the original line, entangled with spirals and flips along the way.

The confusion only increased . No matter how many times they flew back and forth , I couldn’t seem to predict who would speak first, fly first, or choose which side of the argument. I probably I should have minded my business, but I really thought I could help this couple speak through their miscommunication.

As soon as they landed on the line closest to me, I quickly interjected with a quick wave and said “Excuse me” before either of them could state their stance. With genuine compassion, I began, “I see you both have a very special bond and a unique way of discussing things. Can you help me understand why it’s difficult to reach an agreement?” I felt this was a neutral starting point to open some good dialogue between the two.

They spoke in tandem, one speaking right before or right after the other, finishing each other's sentences. They were so in sync, it seemed as if they were speaking with the same mind . The Male started, “We always agree,” - ”Maybe you are misunderstanding” the female finished. I had to step back for a moment to collect my thoughts. I know birds of a feather flock together, and I was starting to consider these two were a bit cuckoo (no offense to the Cuckoos out there ).

Choosing my words carefully to avoid offending the pair, I tried my best to paraphrase what could be my potential misunderstanding. “I see you treat each other equally. No one is treated as first or last. However, it is certain you will always have opposing opinions. I’ve seen you both say ‘birds should fly more’ and ‘birds should fly less’, but never together. Why?”

They looked me over and the Female let out a, “Hmmm” before the Male said, “Makes sense”, - “He has no feathers” the female finished promptly. I questioned, “You are both saying, I don’t understand because I don’t have feathers?” The following transitions between the pair were so smooth and precise, it felt like I was speaking to a single being . They explained, “Our feathers are sensitive to the air so we can feel the direction the wind is blowing”. Wondering where this lesson in biology was heading , I only responded with a slow nod and a long “Okaayyy”.

Not missing a beat, they continued, “ We keep our valley healthy by eating insects, including the invasive ones that make us a little gassy”. I literally had no idea where this story was going and was ready to leave. It must have been written all over my face because the Male spoke independently, “We are currently downwind of you and I am currently downwind of my partner. The female then spoke up and said, “So birds should fly less” As if on que, she squinted slightly and gently raised her tail feathers to release a silent potent puff downwind right into her partners face. Feathers raised and holding his breath, he exhaled, “Therefore, birds should fly more!”

The End

-Donte Hunter
8.23.25

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you enjoyed! If you are feeling up to it, leave a like, drop a comment, or share with your friends. Your support helps me grow.

Shot with Sony A1 / 600f4

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