Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/31/2009

Question
Hi Roger. You answered a question for me the other day regarding our house finch babies, who had been accidentally knocked down (along w/ their nest) by a maintenance man. I followed your advice, and left everything alone. Well, this AM, I can see both babies outside our window, doing VERY well, and being taken care of by Mom and Dad. I have been intently watching them all morning from a location where they are unable to see me, which is great. However, a few minutes ago, I saw not only Mom and Dad, but at least 4 other house finches (at least one male) come and "hover" near the babies, then land in a large circle around them. Who are these folks? Could they be the babies from the previous brood coming to visit their sibs? Do house finches stay together in groups and care for babies that way? This has been such a cool thing- I am really becoming fascinated with their behavior! Any info you can provide would be great, and THANK YOU for doing this- thanks to you, the babies are doing great, and we couldn't be happier!!

Answer
These are called "helpers at the nest" - a term used to describe a social structure in which juveniles and sexually mature adolescents from a previous brood remain in association with their parents and help them raise subsequent broods, instead of dispersing and beginning to reproduce themselves. It is a simple form of co-operative breeding.
The advantage to the helpers is that they gain skills that they will need when they subsequently reproduce. Happens in about 3-5% of bird species, including House Finches.
I am happy my advice was helpful. Almost always, letting nature take its course is the best.