This is Bird Note.

We're walking in the Mexican countryside when we hear a chorus of raucous call.

A flock of brown jays has gathered nearby.

Now, at the bend in the trail we see them, a dozen chocolate-colored birds nearly the

size of crows, but slimmer.

Some jays are distinctive in appearance, but there is something else that sets them

apart from most other birds.

They are cooperative breeders.

The entire flock takes care of a single nest, which holds four eggs laid by one female

in the flock.

Each bird in the flock will bring food to the young and the nest.

When the young first leave the nest, they're vulnerable and naive.

Most helpers then teach the young to find food and recognize danger, complex skills necessary

for survival into adulthood.

In turn, the helpers may inherit the nesting territory when they come of age.

Worldwide, about 3% of bird species, ranging from swifts to woodpeckers, are cooperative

breeders.

Some birds, a few extra beaks around the nest, are the key to survival.

For Birdnote, I'm Mary McCann.

Birdnote gives you the sounds of birds every day, and you get the sights as well when you

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