A question on Downey WP behavior (1 Viewer)

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 11, 2004

• #1

A friend of mine has pictures showing two juvie Downey's feeding each other. Is this just a motion of their parents they are emulating or, do they in fact, feed each other? I know in some species older siblings will help out in the feeding dept, but I had never heard this about the Downey's. Any insights on this?

 

gthang

Ford Focus Fanatic: mmmmmm... 3.1415926535.....

• Jun 11, 2004

• #2

pre-parental learning experience for the juvies I guess. Kind of why we go to school...

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Jun 11, 2004

• #3

Not one I've heard of before for a woodpecker, but there are known cases of same-age siblings feeding each other in various other species, so it probably isn't too unexpected that Wps might do the same. Might be worth a note to your local bird report editor.

Michael

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 11, 2004

• #4

Michael Frankis said:

Not one I've heard of before for a woodpecker, but there are known cases of same-age siblings feeding each other in various other species, so it probably isn't too unexpected that Wps might do the same. Might be worth a note to your local bird report editor.

Michael

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info which I have passed on. If she gets any feedback I'll let you know. At least now she will know it is possible.

KC