New bird research found that birds (specifically, Seychelles warblers) who were familiar with other birds nearby their territory were physically healthier and tended to age at a slower rate. This research argued that two things were at play. One, other birds nearby may be extended family members. A shared shared genetic past may curb conflict. Another reason for the unexpected health benefits may be that its better to know the devil you know than the one you don’t. That is, birds may want to keep on good terms with their neighbors in order to restrict other unknown birds from moving into the “neighborhood”.