In 1988, a researcher spotted a male Hooded Warbler (which the researcher named Y) building and sitting on a nest within the territory of another male (which the researcher called X). This was unusual for several reasons.
Male warblers rarely build nests and tend not to sit on the eggs or nestlings. Plus, the banded male was a fierce singer who usually defended his territory from other males!
Y and X cared for their nest together, feeding nestlings. It’s not clear where those nestlings came from- it’s possible that another Hooded Warbler laid eggs in an act of same-species brood parasitism, basically leaving her eggs for someone else to raise. The nestlings might have been Brown-headed Cowbirds, which also practice brood parasitism. The fate of this nest is unknown.
A month later, Y turned up on the territory of another nearby male (Z). Z and Y had a nest with one Brown-headed Cowbird and two baby Hooded Warblers. Z would bring food to the nest, feeding his waiting mate and nestlings.
It’s tough to conclusively label these birds, but it’s pride month, so. Gay warblers!
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