Nuthatch feeding Bluebird nestlings

[Steve Zamek]

I recently witnessed and photographed some very unusual bird behavior: interspecific feeding. A Pygmy Nuthatch was feeding some Mountain Bluebird nestlings. In this image, one of the bluebird nestlings is begging to be fed by the nuthatch.

I’ve thoroughly documented the behavior — including feeding and fecal sac removal — on my website here.

I hope you find this as fascinating as I have.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Man, that is some crazy stuff! I was suspecting Brown-headed Cowbirds but your series on your website is so expertly documented and obvious to what is going on. Never heard of that before... so cool!

[Declan Troy]

Interspecific brood feeding happens but the rarest part here is how beautifully it has been photographed. Great job Steve.

[Satish Ranadive]

Great documentation. Very informative.
TFS.

Regards,
Satish.