Love on the menu: Male North Island robins cater to their mates' nutritional needs

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-06-14 03:00

New Zealand

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

Many bird species see food as the way to a female’s heart, and male North Island robins appear attentive to their partner's nutritional needs. Researchers from Victoria University of Wellington have found that male toutouwai share more food with their partners when nutritional needs are high due to the demands of nest-building and egg production. They also shared more when their mates chirped or begged, suggesting that communication is key. Males exhibited similar mate-feeding behaviour across breeding seasons, but only when paired with the same partner, supporting the idea that they change what’s on the menu depending on their mate's needs, and potentially her preferences.