Gay birds have lifelong relationships

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/08/16/gay-birds-have-lifelong-relationships/

A study has found that zebra finches can form lifelong same-sex relationships.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, chose the species to study because zebra finches are known for forming permanent monogamous relationships.

They found that when the birds were raised in same-sex groups, over half of the males formed same-sex couples. Even when females were introduced to the group, five out of the eight male couples ignored them and continued their relationships.

Researchers also found that the same-sex couples showed the same behaviour to each other as opposite-sex couples did, including nesting together, singing to each other, perching side by side and greeting each other.

Lead researcher Julie Elie told BBC Nature: “The research showed relationships in animals can be more complicated than just a male and a female who meet and reproduce, even in birds.

“A pair-bond in socially monogamous species represents

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Not surprised at all

cookie, our nanday, and Tuky, our cockatiel, were the odd couple. To this day Cookie ignores the Sun conure (and since we don't want chicks we don't mind). Tuky has been dead now for a year and a half.

To say that we miss him... but we know cookie really does.

[ZombieHorde]

2. Those birds are so cute. recommended. nt

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Of course, the pair shown are male and female. (male on the left)

I raised Zebra finches for about 5 years. The males almost always are the ones to care for the chicks after they hatch.

[queerart]

4. They Are In A Monogamous, Happy, Male Birdie Relationship....

... and lets face it... that photo highlights the fact that they look fabulous together....


Cheers for same sex birdie love.......

[Behind the Aegis]

5. That's a male and female pair.

Males have cheek patches and red beaks, and females have no patches and have orange beaks.