Juvenile helping behaviour in the Dusky Moorhen, Gallinula tenebrosa

Abstract

In Dusky Moorhens, Gallinula tenebrosa, helping behaviour may be displayed by juveniles when groups contain offspring of different age classes. We investigated the frequency and amount of parental care provided by juvenile moorhens to younger siblings from subsequent same-year broods. In some social groups, juveniles provided up to 33% of the total number of feeds provided to chicks. Juveniles were observed to feed chicks when as young as six weeks of age, often while still receiving food from adults themselves. Low within-group relatedness and low reproductive costs associated with juvenile helping have important consequences for the cost–benefit ratio of helping behaviour in this species.