Two daddy blackbirds - one baby

Sal61 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 06:35 PM

Today we have seen baby blackbirds for the first time this year (one of whom is trying to eat the doormat, but I'll ask about that another day). Another of our babes is definitely being fed by two different males, something we have never seen before. Can anyone shed any light on what might be happening?
Thanks.

astarsdad · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 12:44 PM

Hi,
I think it would be extremely rare for two male blackbirds to be feeding young, (even in these enlightened times of same parent families) Are you sure they are not two females?
Terry

mrbright · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 01:26 PM

you are not the only one to report this strange occurence in their garden, yorkshire post on 30/4 carried an article about two males feeding a youngster, no answers im afraid, then again , you might be the same person looking elsewhere for answers. if so unique, if not maybe a spreading trend of paternal instincts.

Sal61 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 07:21 PM

Hi
Thanks for replying. I do know of the report in the Yorkshire Post although the story does not involve me so that makes two of us noticing this. I do live in East Yorkshire however so maybe it is a local thing! They are definitely two males doing the feeding - they both came to my feet for sultanas and we watched both individually take food to the same young one on next door's roof (a bungalow so we were very close). I'll keep watching, maybe they are just short sighted...

greenace233 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 09:17 PM

Hi

I have seen strange behaviour in my garden regarding blackbirds. My resident daddy (mummy is sitting on eggs) is always with another male (except when mummy is feeding) following each other around the garden. Both black although one is slimmer than the other. Not sure what that is all about. Not sure if its a territorial thing but always the same one. Very amusing to watch. Also when my small dog is in the garden the birds dont seem to mind his presence. Theres also a brave robin which stays when the dog is about.
So who knows whats going on !! debbie

mrbright · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 09:24 PM

the only thing i can think of, is that the smaller male may be from an early brood and is still learning the ropes, but hey im no expert, maybe one will be along shortly.

SheffieldLass · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenace233

Hi

I have seen strange behaviour in my garden regarding blackbirds. My resident daddy (mummy is sitting on eggs) is always with another male (except when mummy is feeding) following each other around the garden. Both black although one is slimmer than the other. Not sure what that is all about. Not sure if its a territorial thing but always the same one. Very amusing to watch. Also when my small dog is in the garden the birds dont seem to mind his presence. Theres also a brave robin which stays when the dog is about.
So who knows whats going on !! debbie

Definitely territorial behaviour. When one moves into the others territory the one who's territory it is will follow the other, essential to move it back off its territory, then once it is over the 'border' and the other strays into its territory the tables are turned, so they go round and round, and back and forth. At least they have the sense not to waste too much energy fighting.

Re the two male blackbirds feeding one youngster ... the instinct to push food into a gaping mouth is very strong for most birds, and they are known on occasion to feed young that aren't even the same species.

Cowgirl · #8 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 12:05 PM

Don't great tits do similar things?

Sal61 · #9 (**permalink**) 13-05-2010, 07:34 PM

Thanks for everyone's comments. It does make sense that a gaping mouth has that effect (not to mention the squeaks and other assorted noises). I haven't noticed great tits with the same behaviour but I'll keep my eyes open.

kezzer · #10 (**permalink**) 16-05-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenace233

Hi

I have seen strange behaviour in my garden regarding blackbirds. My resident daddy (mummy is sitting on eggs) is always with another male (except when mummy is feeding) following each other around the garden. Both black although one is slimmer than the other. Not sure what that is all about. Not sure if its a territorial thing but always the same one. Very amusing to watch. Also when my small dog is in the garden the birds dont seem to mind his presence. Theres also a brave robin which stays when the dog is about.
So who knows whats going on !! debbie

Yes, this is amusing to watch.
I have a very large dog and robin, gt tits, blue tits, long tails and gold finches all feed with him sitting in the garden quite close to the feeders. The black birds won't tolerate even the sight of him.

All the other birds that visit the garden will be off as soon as they get sight of him too.

I think long tails feed other's chicks,?