Ideas for Collaborative Parenting in Bird Care

It’s said it takes a village to raise a child, and for these birds, this holds true. The remarkable superb starling not only nurtures its own chicks but also frequently alternates roles of “parent” and “nanny” throughout their lives.

Researchers have long pondered whether non-human animals exhibit cooperative behavior. Recent findings have shown that species like elephants, orcas, and certain primates tend to care for the young of others.

Investigating 20 years of data from the incredible breeding grounds of superb starlings in Africa (Lamprotornis Superbus) in Kenya, scientists discovered this intricate social interaction. As many as 16 “helper” birds assist a specific pair of parents in rearing their chicks.

These birds prefer to help those with which they share genetic ties, yet they willingly assist and accept aid from members of their kin group. This contradicts the belief that only closely related individuals engage in altruistic behaviors during the rearing of young.

Particularly intriguing is that breeding pairs commonly change to helper roles in subsequent breeding seasons. In species where individuals act as “nannies” for others, it is typically younger birds that gain experience before becoming parents themselves. However, even seasoned parent birds take turns acting as helpers.

“These advantages can intertwine in fascinating ways that we don’t fully comprehend yet,” stated Jerry Carter from Princeton University.

The authors suggest that this pattern only emerged through long-term observations, making it challenging to uncover in brief studies. Around 10% of bird species breed collaboratively, and extended research could shed light on the relationships among these groups, Carter concludes.