Let’s celebrate some incredibly devoted bird dads. From food-fetching parrots to egg-warming penguins, many feathered fathers go the extra mile to raise their young. See how these avian dads put their own spin on parenting.

Eclectus Dads Deliver

Eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus roratus, E. roratus vosmaeri, E. roratus solomonensis) stand out among parrots because of their contrasting coloration; females are bright red with splashes of blue and black beaks, while males are emerald green with an orange beak. An eight-year study of wild Eclectus parrots in northern Australia explored why their colors are so different. Researchers found that nest sites are scarce, so females often mate with multiple males, and both sexes may have several partners. The female’s red feathers signal nest ownership, while the male’s green feathers offer him camouflage while he is out foraging.

Male Eclectus parrots travel long distances to visit and court multiple nesting females during the breeding season. Each female stays in her nest cavity for most of the year, fiercely defending it, and she relies entirely on visiting males to bring her food. Males often fly between several nests, which can be kilometers apart, to deliver food to the females, even though they aren’t guaranteed to father chicks. By mating with multiple males, females increase their chances of attracting enough food providers to raise their young. This rare system, known as polygynandry, highlights how movement and cooperation shape parenting and reproduction in this unique parrot species. These devoted male Eclectus (sometimes up to seven!) help raise chicks that may not be their own. Their commitment shows just how far Eclectus dads will go to ensure the survival of the next generation.

Penguin Pops Brave the Cold

Among non-parrot birds, a standout avian father is the Emperor penguin. These birds don’t build a nest; instead the female lays a single egg directly on top of the male’s feet, and then she begins her long trek to the sea to feed while the male stays behind with the egg, which he balances on his feet under a flap of warm skin called a brood pouch.

With the female away for up to two months, the male goes without food (losing up to 45% of his body weight!) while enduring the brutal Antarctic winter conditions to keep the egg warm and safe. Fortunately for him, Emperor Penguins’ eggs are pear-shaped, so if the egg rolls off his feet, it rolls in a circle instead of away from him. When the chick hatches, the male may even feed it a milky substance produced from his esophagus until his partner returns, at which time he is finally relieved of his parental duties to make his trek to the sea to eat.

Jacana Dads Take The Lead

Ever heard of a Jacana? Also referred to as “lily trotters,” these long-legged aquatic birds have complete role reversals when it comes to parenting. A female Northern Jacana will mate with multiple males and lay eggs in the floating nests that the males construct. Male Jacanas then incubate the eggs. The chicks can swim, dive, and feed shortly after hatching, and for good reason — the male doesn’t feed them but instead leads them to food. These dads, however, aren’t all about having the chicks fend entirely for themselves once hatched. Check out this tender video of a male Jacana gathering his chicks under his wing as any protective father would.

Hero Dads In Our Backyards

There are great bird dads right outside our doors. Songbirds, such as the American robin and Northern cardinal, also show excellent paternal instincts. Male songbirds frequently help build the nest, defend the territory, and feed the chicks alongside the females, and they help teach their young chicks their songs! This enlightening article from Audubon showcases wild bird dads at their best!

These bird dads show that care and cooperation can take many forms, often shaped by environment and need. Their roles may vary, but each plays a part in helping the next generation get a strong start.

Single Bird Learning How to Parent

Sit back with your bird with some Popcorn Nutri-Berries, and watch this tender video of a male kestrel learning how to care for his chicks on his own when his partner is suddenly absent from nest duties. His trial-and-error parenting certainly tugs at the heartstrings.