The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the brave, multi-tasking mums of the Australian bird world

  • Written by Ayesha Tulloch, ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology
This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the brave, multi-tasking mums of the Australian bird world

In the human fascination with birds, it’s the flashy appearance and antics of males that get the most attention from researchers and the public.

From their colourful plumage to elaborate songs and courtship displays, male birds often steal the show. This has led to female birds routinely being overlooked[1] by conservation planners.

First, let’s clear up a few misconceptions. At least 70% of female birds sing[2] – a fact historically overlooked due to research and survey biases towards males. And while many female birds have more muted colours than males, there are numerous examples of females with brilliant plumage[3].

But the wonders of the female bird world go far deeper. The capacity of female birds to rear and protect their young is phenomenal. Somehow, they manage to hold their families together despite predators, harsh conditions and sometimes, a less-than-attentive partner.

bird on branch beside nest with chicks
The capacity of female birds to rear and protect their young is phenomenal. Shutterstock

Satin bowerbirds: an unequal domestic burden

The male bowerbird is one of the most over-the-top bachelors of the bird world.

Male satin bowerbirds have striking[4], iridescent blue plumage and violet-coloured eyes. Females, on the other hand, are green and brown to blend into their surroundings.

To attract a mate, the male dances[5] in an exaggerated fashion and makes a decorated bower. Females visit various bowers and select their mate. After that, the female basically does everything.

She makes the nest – usually high in a tree to protect nestlings from predators such as goannas. She produces and incubates the eggs on her own. And once the chicks hatch, the mum alone feeds them and defends the nest.

Meanwhile, the male bowerbird fusses over his man-cave – or bower – throughout the year in the hope of attracting another mate.

Read more: Women have disrupted research on bird song, and their findings show how diversity can improve all fields of science[6]

bird with bower and blue objects
While the female bowerbird raises the babies alone, the male tends to his bower to attract another mate. Shutterstocks

Palm cockatoos: the female bodyguard

Male palm cockatoos shot to fame a few years ago when new research identified their drumming[7] abilities. The males make drumsticks from branches and bang them rhythmically against a tree for pair-bonding or sometimes to claim territory.

But once the palm cockatoos pair up, the female plays a crucial role in securing their territory for breeding. During many months of behavioural observations, we found the female sits sentinel (kind of like a bodyguard) on the tree hollow while the male goes inside, splintering sticks with his massive bill to make the nest.

If danger comes – perhaps a neighbouring cockatoo pair or predator – the female alerts her mate and chases away the intruder.

female palm cockatoo on a branch with male part-way down tree hollow
The female palm cockatoo keeps a watchful eye for intruders when the male is in the hollow making their nest. Christina N. Zdenek

Virtuosic lady lyrebirds

The impressive repertoire[8] of male superb lyrebirds is well-known. But it was only in recent years, when researchers turned their attention to the female, that her incredible singing ability was discovered[9].

Male lyrebirds don’t help[10] with nest-building, incubation, brooding or feeding young.

Left alone to rear and protect her offspring, the female lyrebird has developed a cunning ability to confuse predators by mimicking the calls of at least 19 other bird species.

The female lyrebird is also remarkable for the length of time she cares for her young. Once fully feathered and able to fly, young lyrebirds remain dependent on their mothers and may stay in their care for more than a year[11].

brown bird holds sticks in beak
She might be a little plain, but the female lyrebird is a clever, committed mother. Shutterstock

Fairy-wren code-makers

The Horsfield’s bronze-cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other birds such as fairy-wrens. This can leave the fairy-wren mother expending precious time and food raising another bird’s chicks.

But the female superb fairy-wren has developed a truly ingenious way to detect foreign nestlings once the eggs hatch.

She sings to her eggs – and includes in the song a specific “password[12]”. Once her chicks hatch, they sing the password when begging for food.

It can be hard for the fairy-wren mum to differentiate her young in her dark, ball-shaped nest. But she can identify her offspring by their song. Cuckoo nestlings can’t learn or sing the password so are less likely to get fed.

hatchling in nest
The fairy-wren mother has developed an ingenious way to recognise her own young. Shutterstock

Eclectus parrot: the ultimate nest defender

Even though nesting only takes a few months, female eclectus parrots guard their precious hollows[13] for up to nine months[14].

This is why their plumage is red[15] and their male counterparts are green.

The red serves as a beacon screaming “this hollow is taken!”, helping keep cockatoos away.

Three images showing a fight between a female eclectus parrot and a pair of sulphur-crested cockatoos.
A female eclectus parrot fights off sulphur-crested cockatoos from her tree hollow. Christina N. Zdenek

Here’s to all mums

Female birds are just as worthy of our time and research effort as their male counterparts. Considering the behaviours and needs of female birds is especially vital from a conservation perspective.

What’s more, affirming the important role of females in any community – bird or human – is crucial to achieving more equitable and just societies. Never is that message more important than on Mother’s Day.

Read more: What Australian birds can teach us about choosing a partner and making it last[16]

References

  1. ^ overlooked (doi.org)
  2. ^ female birds sing (www.sciencedaily.com)
  3. ^ brilliant plumage (royalsocietypublishing.org)
  4. ^ striking (australian.museum)
  5. ^ dances (academic.oup.com)
  6. ^ Women have disrupted research on bird song, and their findings show how diversity can improve all fields of science (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ drumming (www.science.org)
  8. ^ repertoire (www.theguardian.com)
  9. ^ discovered (www.allaboutbirds.org)
  10. ^ don’t help (absa.asn.au)
  11. ^ more than a year (www.publish.csiro.au)
  12. ^ password (www.sciencedirect.com)
  13. ^ precious hollows (www.publish.csiro.au)
  14. ^ nine months (www.cambridge.org)
  15. ^ red (www.sciencedirect.com)
  16. ^ What Australian birds can teach us about choosing a partner and making it last (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/this-mothers-day-lets-celebrate-the-brave-multi-tasking-mums-of-the-australian-bird-world-180880

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...