Kimbiza - 1 chase, pursue, drive away. 2 make something
run faster, rush.
-kimbiza
(infinitive kukimbiza)
Causative
form of -kimbia: to chase, to run after, to move faster, to rush.
Methali
(proverb)
Kunguru
mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake.
Translation:
A fearful crow flaps its wings away from harm.
Pied
crows, the most common types of crows in east Africa, are generally encountered
in pairs or small groups, although an abundant source of food may bring
together large numbers of birds. The species behaves in a similar manner to the
hooded and carrion crows. They are notorious for their behavior of mobbing
other birds. Some solitary species of birds like kites and buzzards, are able
to handle the harassment and defend themselves effectively against mobbing and
therefore, will generally be avoided by crow mobs.
Crows
themselves also get mobbed by other birds like seagulls and are easily taken
down because they react by trying to protect their wings. The rationale being,
since they harass other birds by mainly targeting the wings, they assume that
protecting their wings is the correct way to defend themselves. The result is
often disastrous.
The
purpose of mobbing is usually to aggravate, irritate and/or instill fear so
that the targeted bird is driven away, probably from its hunted food or from breeding
grounds where the mobbers intend to establish themselves. Mobbing behavior
includes flying about the target, dive bombing, loud squawking and defecating
on the target.
A
fearful bird will flap its wings in an attempt to protect them and “shoo off”
the mob but this only leads to quick expending of energy and consequent
surrender of the target. However, some birds use effective methods of defense
that drive away the mob. They spread their wings and glide through the air,
which conserves energy, and instead go into attack mode. It observes for any
mobbing bird that gets too close, which is attacked by either beak or talons. A
good hit on one of them will make an example to the rest of the mob and they
are likely to retreat. If they don’t retreat, a second example is sought. A
good example can be seen in this video where a buzzard defends itself from a
mob of crows by utilizing this tactic. See>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITMG_FfkHco
The
correct form of defense is therefore kukimbiza (to chase) the mob rather
than kukimbiza (to rush) the wings.
References
TUKI (2001), Kamusi Ya
Kiswahili-Kiingereza; Swahili-English Dictionary. Published by Taasisi ya
Uchunguzi wa Kiswahili (TUKI), Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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