Bird feeding is commonly referred to as allofeeding in the scientific community. This behavior is observed in species of birds that engage in cooperative breeding. Cooperative breeding refers to a social system where multiple individuals, including parents, siblings, or unrelated adults, help in the care and feeding of altricial hatchlings.
Allofeeding is a crucial aspect of the reproductive strategy of these bird species. Altricial hatchlings are born in a helpless state, completely dependent on the care and provisioning of their parents or other adult individuals. Unlike precocial young, which are able to feed themselves shortly after hatching, altricial hatchlings require substantial amounts of food to grow and develop.
The term “allofeeding” itself can be broken down to understand its meaning more explicitly. “Allo” is derived from the Greek word for “other” or “different,” indicating that the feeding is performed by individuals other than the parents. “Feeding” refers to the act of providing food or nourishment to another individual.
In allofeeding, the responsibility of feeding the altricial hatchlings is shared among various members of the social group. This behavior can be observed in a variety of bird species, including certain types of crows, tits, and some seabirds. The individuals involved in allofeeding may be siblings from previous broods, unrelated adults, or even individuals from neighboring territories.
The act of allofeeding involves the transfer of food from the adult bird to the altricial hatchling. This food transfer can occur in various ways, depending on the species. In some cases, the adult regurgitates food from its own stomach and directly feeds it to the hatchling. In other instances, the adult may place food directly into the hatchling’s mouth, or the hatchling may actively take food from the adult’s beak.
Allofeeding serves several purposes within the context of cooperative breeding. First and foremost, it ensures the survival and growth of the altricial hatchlings. By sharing the responsibility of feeding, the burden on the parents is reduced, allowing them to allocate their time and energy to other important tasks, such as defending the nest or incubating future eggs.
Furthermore, allofeeding contributes to the development of social bonds within the group. By engaging in this behavior, individuals establish and strengthen relationships with one another. This can have long-term benefits, as individuals that have been allofed as hatchlings may later become helpers themselves when they reach adulthood.
In my personal experience as an avid birdwatcher, I have had the opportunity to observe allofeeding in various bird species. One particular instance that stands out is the behavior of a pair of crows that I observed in my backyard. The adult crows would frequently bring food to their altricial chicks, but I also noticed that other adult crows from the neighboring territories would occasionally join in and allofeed the chicks as well. It was fascinating to witness this cooperative behavior and see how it contributed to the survival and well-being of the young crows.
To summarize, bird feeding is commonly referred to as allofeeding in the context of cooperative breeding. This behavior involves the feeding of altricial hatchlings by parents, siblings, or unrelated adults. Allofeeding is crucial for the survival and growth of the hatchlings, as well as for the establishment and maintenance of social bonds within the group.