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Parental care - which birds carry their young? (1 Viewer)

Dave Kennedy

Dave Kennedy

Well-known member
This photograph was taken at Fort Augustus, Scotland, during a boat trip through the Caledonian Canal. Three cygnets are enjoying the comfort of a parent's back, and having a good sleep at the same time. I have since found out that grebes carry their young - and I know that male African Jacanas carry their young about under their wings. So far the common factor is water.

Any other comments or observations on which birds include personal transport as part of their parental care?

Best wishes,
Dave Kennedy
 

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I've seen other species of swan carrying their babies. and Jacana's and Grebes aswell. Don't crocodiles carry their youngs aswell? maybe it does have someting to do with water..
 
I've read that Eurasian Woodcock carry their young (in flight!) – but I don't know if it's true (“Shorebirds” writes: ‘can apparently carry’... so not too convinced either).
 
Xenospiza said:
I've read that Eurasian Woodcock carry their young (in flight!) – but I don't know if it's true (“Shorebirds” writes: ‘can apparently carry’... so not too convinced either).
Click to expand...

To carry them in flight would really be an achievement - hard to believe, but has anybody out there got an opinion?

Dave Kennedy
 
Great crested grebe can fly with chicks on the back for some time. Woodcock carry chicks between legs and tail. It was debated, but I read at least one published first-hand observation.

Also: South American finfoot male has sort of skin pouches under wing, when youngs are carried. It was discovered quite recently, if anybody knows details, I will be interested. :)
 
jurek said:
Great crested grebe can fly with chicks on the back for some time. Woodcock carry chicks between legs and tail. It was debated, but I read at least one published first-hand observation.

Also: South American finfoot male has sort of skin pouches under wing, when youngs are carried. It was discovered quite recently, if anybody knows details, I will be interested. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jurek (and everybody else)

Interesting, because South Africa also has a finfoot Podica senegalensis. I'll try to find out whether anybody has seen this kind of behaviour in the African Finfoot.
Best wishes,
Dave Kennedy
 
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