We observed a fledgling abandonment and adoption event that subsequently led to an extended period of interspecific parental care between a male Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) and two radio-tagged fledgling Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) siblings. Both fledglings were initially accompanied by their maternal Golden-winged Warbler until 5 and 9 days after fledging. At this time, a male Black-and-white Warbler began feeding both fledglings, and maternal care ceased. In the 23 days we monitored the fledglings between onset of interspecific feeding and independence, the male Black-and-white Warbler was observed with at least one of the fledglings on 20 of those occasions. Furthermore, the Black-and-white Warbler was seen feeding at least one of the fledglings on 16 of those visits. We photographed several feeding events. The Black-and-white Warbler remained with the fledglings until they successfully reached independence 28 days post-fledging.
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1 December 2016
Prolonged Interspecific Care of Two Sibling Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) by a Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
Cameron J. Fiss,
Darin J. McNeil,
Renae E. Poole,
Karli M. Rogers,
Jeffery L. Larkin
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fledgling abandonment
fledgling adoption
interspecific feeding
Mniotilta varia
Vermivora chrysoptera