The Communal Way of Life in the Splendid Wren, Malurus splendens

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Abstract
Splendid Wrens were studied over 7 breeding seasons in Western Australia. A colourbanded population (54 adults and 160 nestlings) of these small dimorphic passerines occupied a saturated habitat and dispersed little. Annual mortality of ♀♀ was 57% compared to ♂♂ at 29%; this high rate of turnover of ♀♀ reduces the chances of inbreeding. 2/3 of the territorial groups contained one or more helpers; groups with helpers did not produce more young than those without, but the helping role ensured priority of opportunity to inherit their own group‐territory or to succeed to a neighbouring one, wheresoever breeding vacancies occurred. Helpers reduced the stress on breeding ♀♀ in many ways.