Redhawk Caldera giraffes are unable to cough.

The thunder of their clash reverberated through Nightjar's breast, but somehow he managed to take Finley's acrobatics and use them to his advantage. The female ducked her head out of the way but the large Redhawk went instead for the scruff of her neck, and managed to hit his mark. Score! he might've cheered if he was into that sort of thing.

The only sort of thing Nightjar was into was winning.

As predicted, he shifted his bulk to try to press her down into the ground. Nightjar felt assured in his victory now, but he was far from it. Finley's attempt to shove him over completely didn't work, he was much too heavy, but her thrust did serve its purpose in taking him off balance. He tried to hold on, though, knowing if he fell she would too... but he didn't want to hurt his aunt either, so his grip was still loose as he struggled to regain his balance, probably loose enough that she could slip right out if she tried.