Bushtit Ballona Freshwater Marsh 3289
"At some [Bushtit] nests, 'helper' birds will join the original breeding pair. These helpers are often adult birds who either do not have mates of their own or who have lost their nest. Because nest-building takes so long, birds that lose their nest after egg-laying sometimes do not build a new nest- and instead either try to steal a neighbors nest, or to join a neighbors nest. If the established pair will let helpers in, the new birds get a warm place to cozy up and sleep. Helper females may get the chance to lay eggs in the second clutch, and helper males may get to fertilize eggs in the first or second clutch (if he can keep ahead of the established male). The established pair, in turn, gets help with feeding and caring for their chicks. "wildfarmsWeebly.com
Bushtit Ballona Freshwater Marsh 3289
"At some [Bushtit] nests, 'helper' birds will join the original breeding pair. These helpers are often adult birds who either do not have mates of their own or who have lost their nest. Because nest-building takes so long, birds that lose their nest after egg-laying sometimes do not build a new nest- and instead either try to steal a neighbors nest, or to join a neighbors nest. If the established pair will let helpers in, the new birds get a warm place to cozy up and sleep. Helper females may get the chance to lay eggs in the second clutch, and helper males may get to fertilize eggs in the first or second clutch (if he can keep ahead of the established male). The established pair, in turn, gets help with feeding and caring for their chicks. "wildfarmsWeebly.com