Cainism may help restore eagle numbers in Ireland — here's how

Eagles can’t afford to raise two siblings here and so a form of siblicide observed in youngsters may ironically help Irish restoration

In four out of five golden eagle nests, the firstborn kills, and eats, its little brother or sister. Attacks cease only when the chicks’ feathers begin growing.

And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him - Genesis 4.

The golden eagle, symbol of strength and nobility, has a dark side. Two eggs are laid in the huge nest, with a three or four day interval between them. Incubation begins with the first egg, which means that it hatches earlier than the second one. In four out of five nests, the firstborn kills, and eats, its little brother or sister. Attacks cease only when the chicks’ feathers begin growing.