Thes birds form something like lasting friendships

A species of help care for the offspring of birds they are not related to.

View in browser|nytimes.com May 18, 2025 True friends, most people would agree, are there for each other. If you're a superb starling — a member of the starling family native to Africa — that means stuffing bugs down the throats of your friends' offspring, knowing that they'll eventually do the same for yours. Ken Tseng "To me, that sounds like friendship," one scientist said. → Sign up for Science Times Get stories that capture the wonders of nature, the cosmos and the human body. Get it in your inbox If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018