Dr. Green spoke to us about “cooperative breeding” in the Fairy Wrens of
Australia.  We were shocked and amazed to hear of the promiscuity of these
tiny birds, and the efforts that have gone into learning about them. The
wrens appear to be in pairs, but DNA testing of the chicks in a clutch show
that about half are not actually descendants of the male. The researchers
then had to figure out a way to track both the males and the females as they
slip out early in the morning to a secret rendezvous. Visions of the relays
of young folks with radios trying to keep track of these little cheaters
gave all of us a great laugh.

Photo: Sherri Wretham