Refection

Refection refers to the process by which certain animals, primarily birds, regurgitate partially digested food from their stomach to feed their young or other members of their social group. This is a common method of parental care in many avian species, where the parent consumes food, processes it in their crop or proventriculus, and then brings it back to the nest in their beak or throat pouch to offer to their offspring.

The type of food regurgitated can vary widely depending on the species, ranging from seeds and insects to fish and even carrion. The digestive process undertaken by the parent can also involve breaking down tough materials or activating nutrients, making the food more digestible for the young. In some species, refection is also observed outside of parental care, such as in social feeding among adults or the sharing of food within a colony. This behavior is essential for the survival and development of young animals, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition during their vulnerable early stages.