Tense standoff between a python and three brave curlew birds as they desperately defend their chick from being eaten
- A python threatened a family of curlews and they spread their wings protectively
- They were protecting their young from the snake, which did not back down
- A snake experts said pythons will attack and eat baby bush stone-curlewsIncredible footage shows the moment three brave curlew birds puffed up their feathers to protect their baby from a giant python.
The stand-off was filmed by Tash Cotter in Dripstone, near Darwin in the Northern Territory, who marvelled and the tenacious animals.
'Fierce protective parent crew right here,' the caption read.
Pictured: The moment a python moved towards a group of curlew birds in the Northern TerritoryIn the video, which was shared by the ABC, the serpent could be seen slithering across a road towards the family of four bush stone-curlews.As one bird chased the baby behind the flock and out of harms way, another stood in front of the snake and protectively spread her wings.
The other two adult curlews joined her, spreading their wings and puffing their feathers to make a wall between the python and the youngster.
Pictured: Three curlew birds fiercely protecting their young from being eaten by a python
As the python continued to move towards them, the family darted to the side while still protecting the baby bird.
Viewers were in awe of the brave display, and share their own experiences with curlews.
'When I went to Cairns there was a curlew that joined me for breakfast every morning. He walked right in and sat at the table,' one woman wrote.
'That is a brave snake... never mess with a curlew!' another said.
'You don’t want to mess with those birds on their nesting ground, they attacked me there once,' someone else shared.
Snake expert Tony Morrison, who owns Redland's Snake Catcher in Queensland, told Daily Mail Australia the snake's behaviour is not unusual.
'A python would love to eat a curlew,' he said.
Bush stone-curlews are not usually aggressive, but will fight to protect their eggs and young.
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