These two waterbirds are of the same sex (female). Conflicts may arise between them due to “competition for superior mates” or “defending their territories, such as feeding areas and nesting sites.” The “battles” between waterbirds often manifest as intimidating postures—such as spreading their wings, diving towards each other, or making loud noises—as a way to intimidate their opponents visually or behaviorally. The posture of the two birds in the picture, with their wings spread and standing face-to-face at close range, is a typical example of the competitive behavior exhibited by birds, such as showing off their strength or asserting their dominance.