Cooperative breeding and reversal of sex roles at a Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus nest

Abstract

The Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus is a common and widespread bird found across much of Australia, but its breeding biology is incompletely known, with no dedicated studies having been conducted. Opportunistic observations at a Grey Butcherbird nest in Brisbane, Queensland, are presented. In particular, two rarely reported breeding behaviours of this species are described: cooperative breeding involving an immature helper, and reversal of sex roles by the adults, with a male observed brooding on two occasions.