纪录片《非洲》 第19期:萨瓦纳大草原（3）（在线收听）

As their mother returns,

它们的母亲回来了

she sees what the larger chick has done.

她看到了大雏鸟的所作所为

The smaller chick seeks its mother's comfort.

小雏鸟来寻求母亲的安慰

But she has already made her choice.

但是她已经做出了决定

Only her first-born will get a drink.

只有第一个出世的宝宝能喝到水

Shoebills very rarely raise more than one chick.

鲸头鹳一般一次只抚养一只雏鸟

The younger chick was only ever an insurance,

小点的雏鸟只是个备胎罢了

in case the elder didn't make it.

以防大的不幸夭折

Now it's old enough, the adults know that

现在雏鸟都大了 成鸟知道

they're better off putting all their efforts

最好还是把所有精力

into bringing up just one fit and healthy youngster.

都用在抚养一只健康的幼鸟身上为好

The swamp's changing water levels

沼泽水位飘忽不定

mean fishing is too unpredictable

捕鱼全靠运气

for them to gamble on trying to raise two chicks.

所以一次抚养两只雏鸟风险太大了