Researchers have discovered that superb starlings, a songbird species native to the African savanna, engage in reciprocal helping behaviors that extend beyond familial ties. A study published in the journal Nature analyzed two decades of field data, revealing that these birds often assist one another in raising chicks, a behavior that had not been previously documented.
The study, led by a team including ecologists from Columbia University and Cornell University, highlights the social structure of superb starlings, which includes mixed family groups and non-relatives. New parents in these flocks rely on as many as 16 helpers to provide food for their chicks and to fend off predators.
Through a 20-year field study encompassing 40 breeding seasons, researchers recorded thousands of interactions among these birds, examining their genetic relationships. While the initial findings confirmed that birds primarily help relatives, the research unexpectedly showed that they also assist nonrelatives, demonstrating a mutual exchange of aid over time.
According to the study, birds that helped nonrelatives during one breeding season often received assistance in return during subsequent seasons, suggesting a pattern of long-term social investment. This is referred to as friendship by the researchers, although the concept remains controversial among scientists.
Support for the existence of long-term reciprocal relationships has been growing in studies of other animal species, such as primates and elephants. However, identifying such relationships can be challenging, as evidenced by the extensive data required for this study.
Experts suggest that the implications of these findings extend beyond the avian world, likening the cooperative breeding behaviors of superb starlings to those of humans, particularly in terms of fostering strong social bonds. The study indicates that larger group dynamics lead to increased longevity and reproductive success among the birds, underscoring the evolutionary advantages of nurturing relationships.
As concerns about human loneliness grow, the behaviors of superb starlings may offer insights into the importance of building supportive relationships. While the methods of assistance differ, the underlying principle remains the same: offering help can cultivate lasting connections.