Hi Benj,
Re the communal raising of chicks by Dusky Moorhens
- yes, it happens, apparently commonly.
This year, for the first time that I have observed
since I started keeping an eye on Pt Hut Pond, the Moorhens have bred. 3 weeks
ago 6 chicks were hatched. They are being tended by 3 adults - all of whoem seem
to be involved in shepherding the chicks around and feeding them.
Barry Taylor in "Rails - A guide to the Rails,
Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World" has this to say - "This species is
simultaneously promiscuous, forming breeding groups of 2-7 apparently unrelated
birds; ...All group members defend the territory, build nests, incubate,
and care for young; older siblings sometimes help to care for the
young."
Taylor acknowledges HANZAB as his major source of
information - so I imagine the above is excerpted from there. I don't have
HANZAB to check - its a bit pricey for an amateur like me!
Regards,
Bruce
