You are here:

Birding/Birds feeding chicks of other species

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/13/2004


Question
Hi Roger

I observed a large chick in the garden today being fed by a blackbird and also by a pair of robins - is this common? (The chick and blackbird were also singing to each other).

I assume from the size that the chick was a blackbird though it had a robin's division of colour areas - I have a nice picture I can send if you would like

Thanks

Steve

Answer
This is not common; in fact, I have never heard of it before. Birds of the same species will sometimes have what is called "helpers at the nest" but only helpers from the same species. Was the "chick" actually singing? Chicks do not sing. You don't say where you are from, but if from the UK (I'm guessing from your spelling of colour), then there could be a parasitic cuckoo in the nest of the robins. The whole situation is interesting although a bit unclear to me. Any  photos would be of help. You can e-mail me thru my website at www.ornithology.com. Roger Lederer

Birding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.