A large leadwood tree near Nandzana waterhole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park contains a much sought-after nest cavity that has been used by a range of species over the years. Here, I witnessed a titanic battle between a squirrel and a parrot. Written and photographed by Andre Botha
Lilac-breasted rollers, pearl-spotted owlets, yellow-billed hornbills, glossy starlings and tree squirrels have been recorded using this cavity for nesting or roosting. Sought-after real estate!
![Squirrel, parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park Squirrel, parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/1.-First-engagement-with-the-squirrel.jpg)
![Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2.jpg)
One winter morning, I witnessed a tussle between one of the current occupants of the nest, a pair of brown-headed parrots, and a tree squirrel that dared to venture too close to the nest.
![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/3.jpg)
![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/4.jpg)
The parrot pursued the squirrel several times and physically attacked it by biting it at least six times in about 20 minutes.
![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/5.jpg)
![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/6.jpg)
The squirrel eventually retaliated and fought back, twice charging at the parrot and trying to bite it.
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![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/7.jpg)
![Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, squirrel, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/8.jpg)
Fortunately, the parrot was too quick and evaded serious damage, whereas the squirrel’s tail looked quite the worse for wear. It eventually scuttled down the tree and out of sight.
![Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/9.jpg)
The parrot stretched its wings in victory and went to the nest to share the news that all was safe before heading into the mopane-veld to forage.
I was spellbound to witness this little battle before heading back to work. Always something worthwhile out there…
![Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park Brown-headed parrot, South Africa, Kruger National Park](https://africageographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/10.jpg)
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