Eutely is a condition in which an organism appears and behaves in such a way as if intentionally striving for death. When an individual animal displays extreme behaviors that seem directed toward its own death, it is said to manifest "eutely." Such behaviors are generally observed as consequences of physical injury, trauma, or parasitization, and are more commonly seen in birds, and possibly marine mammals.
Animals it takes place:
1. Birds:
Eutely is most frequently observed in birds. There have been several reported cases of birds flying into windows, walls, or other obstacles apparently without concern for their own safety, and dying as a result. These occurrences are sometimes interpreted as deliberate suicidal acts.
2. Marine mammals:
Eutely-like behaviors have also been observed in some marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Stranded whales and dolphins have been found to exhibit unusual behavior, swimming in shallow waters or beaching themselves seemingly intentionally. Researchers suggest that these behaviors may be a response to disease, injury, or disorientation.
Examples:
1. Red-winged Blackbirds:
One study described a Red-winged Blackbird flying down from a tree towards a nearby lake, striking the surface with its wing, and then repeatedly submerging its body.
2. Canada Goose:
In another case, a Canada Goose reportedly jumped off an embankment into a waterway and struggled to stay underwater by pressing its head against a rock.
3. Harbor Porpoises:
A study on Harbor Porpoises found instances of individuals stranding themselves on beaches, despite previous successful releases from similar entanglements.
It's important to note that eutely remains a debated concept in biology and there's ongoing scientific discussion regarding the motivations and explanations for such behaviors. Some scientists suggest that these seemingly self-destructive actions may instead be attributed to confusion, disorientation, or neurological dysfunction caused by injury or illness rather than actual intentional efforts to end life.