When is a bird most likely to "mantle"?

Mantling is a behavior exhibited by birds of prey, particularly when they want to protect their catch from potential competitors or threats. When a bird is standing over its quarry, it will spread its wings and body in a way that covers the prey, appearing larger and more formidable to any potential scavengers or threats. This action serves as a protective mechanism to ensure that its meal is not stolen.

While birds may exhibit various behaviors when in pursuit of prey, mantling specifically relates to the time spent guarding their catch rather than the pursuit itself. Therefore, the context of standing over quarry aligns perfectly with the defined behavior of mantling.

In contrast, although being threatened can cause birds to display defensive behaviors, this is not specifically what mantling refers to in the context of protecting a kill. Thus, the focus on standing over quarry directly addresses the defining characteristics of the mantling behavior.