Differences Between Precocial and Altricial Species

These baby birds are not wildlife, they’re chickens! But, they are easily recognized juveniles and a perfect example for our explanation.

These chicks are precocial. Some other bird species that fall into this category include quail, ducks, sandhill cranes, killdeer and turkey. Mammals can be precocial too. The word precocial means that the young hatch or are born with their eyes and ears opened, covered in down feathers or fur, and are mobile within a few hours of being born or hatching. While their parents may help with protection from predators and elements, and guide them in learning to find food and water, these chicks can do an impressive amount for themselves.

Species who are precocial are often also nidifugous, meaning they leave the nest/birth area shortly after hatching. Nearly everyone can picture the hen in a barnyard surrounded by tiny adorable fluffy chicks scratching at the ground. This sweet image is a perfect example of a precocial and nidifugous species.

Altricial species are quite different. The young are born or hatched blind, naked or nearly naked and helpless, relying on their parents completely for food, protection and warmth. Altricial chicks often look like wads of bubblegum with a few tufts of downy fuzz stuck on them. They do not stand or walk right after hatching and often do little more than raise their heads to open their mouths to be fed by their parents. A few examples of these include crows, hummingbirds, doves, mocking birds, bluebirds and woodpeckers. Because they stay in an established nest for much longer, altricial birds are also called nidicolous.

Birds of prey and some sea birds are altricial with one difference from other altricial species. They have a much more established downy feathers covering their bodies.

Knowing the difference in these traits and species helps us to identify the type of bird we are seeing and whether or not a chick needs our help. A precocial species on the ground with a parent near, is a much different story than an altricial species, even if the parent is near. When in doubt, watch the chick and protect it from danger while you call FWC or a local licensed rehabber. No matter what the chick is, please avoid any handling unless it’s absolutely necessary, and wear gloves. Do not allow wildlife to be harassed by people or pets. We can coexist and often, nature doesn’t need our help.

Most people happen to think the “cute” baby birds belong to the precocial species and the “ugly” ones are altricial. I personally think they’re all perfect.

Did you know we, humans, are altricial?

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