Photo (R. Lukei, Jr) – Azalea’s younger sister HE on June 2, 2009 after leaving her nest a few days too early

One of the most studied aspects of bird behavior is that of “visual identity”. Do birds recognize others of their species, and even more specific, do birds recognize individuals?

Ornithology, by Frank B. Gill states ” Birds also can distinguish among individuals by means of subtle variations in plumage patterns, size, voice, and behavior. Field ornithologists learn quickly to recognize individuals by more subtle differences: plumage wear, a missing feather, or odd behaviors, in combination with eye colors or plumage colors typical of certain age and sex classes. Doubtless, birds are even more sensitive than we are in the use of such information”. We can recognize the Norfolk Botanical Garden female adult by the single black feather on the top of her head. Based on these studies and our own visual identification, it is most likely that Azalea and her siblings would be recognized by their parents.