Mini-er males aren't uncommon in birds because lady birds have to produce eggs, and that takes a lot out of them, literally.

雄鸟体型偏小在鸟类中并不罕见，因为雌鸟必须产卵，这确实会消耗掉很多。

They were industrious, sprightly little lady birds, who kept lump sugar and thistle seed as well as tea in their tea-caddies.

它们是勤劳、活泼的小雌鸟， 它们在茶叶罐里放着块糖、蓟籽和茶叶。

Lichtman: Mini-er males aren't uncommon in birds because lady birds have to produce eggs, and that takes a lot out of them, literally.

Lichtman：小型雄性鸟类在鸟类中并不少见，因为雌性鸟类必须产卵，从字面上看，这会消耗掉它们很多。