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Menage a Trois in Sparrowland

Discussion in 'Wildlife Corner' started by Alice, Mar 4, 2011.

  1. Alice

    Alice Gardener

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    I posted on this Sparrow behaviour last year but here's the update.

    Recap from last year
    A pair of Sparrows nesting up, under the eaves on my house raised 3 broods of chicks.
    The first brood, saw nothing unusual.
    The second brood - a second hen turned up and was very determined to be in at that nest, wanting to feed chicks etc. The resident pair wanted to be rid of her and she got duffed up regularly but she persisted in the nest attending behaviour
    The third brood - the resident pair seemed to have given up the fight and the nest was attended by the cock and two hens.

    Update
    This last few days a pair of Sparrows have been back at that nest, cleaning out and carrying in nesting material.
    Today, a second hen has turned up. She's trying to join in the activities.
    The resident hen is in constant dispute with her but the cock doesn't seem to be bothered.

    Anybody else seen bird behaviour like this ?
     
  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    No, but I've seen human behavior like it!!!!
     
  3. Alice

    Alice Gardener

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    Yes, I've seen human behaviour like it too, Armandii. Ever watch the Jeremy Kyle show ??????
    But, the Sparrows seem to be at it too !
    I'll report how it goes - since they don't have JK.
     
  4. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    Its probably an offspring from an earlier brood who hasn't paired up. The instinct to raise the chicks is still there, but also the parents instinct to kick the youngster out of the nest is still there.

    Also featured regularly on the Jeremy Kyle Show :heehee: They are called Aunties.
     
  5. Alice

    Alice Gardener

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    Yes, I think you are right Ziggy, but it's interesting to watch and just wondered if anyone else had seen it in action.
     
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