We report the first known observation of mother-son parental care and potential inbreeding in Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) near Smithers, British Columbia, Canada. The nest was found with four nestlings and was attended by a female and her son from the previous year. The nestlings appeared healthy, were above average mass, and fledged successfully. The high return rates of adult and juvenile Horned Larks at our study site may have facilitated this social pairing by close relatives. The possibility the son was a helper at the nest is discussed.
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1 June 2007
Mother-son Parental Care in Horned Larks
Alaine F. Camfield,
Alana J. Clason,
Kathy Martin
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The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 119 • No. 2
June 2007
Vol. 119 • No. 2
June 2007