A reader writes:
Actually, there are decent scientific studies of the question of paternity confidence that would make one think twice about comparing blackbird and human paternity. Monogamy seems to be a pretty good explanation of paternity in most human populations. Razib Khan provides an overview of the research.
But there is an obvious distinction between non-monogamy and paternity – especially with widespread access to contraception. Adultery doesn't mean, as it might have in the past, children with non-biological parents they think are their own. But yes, Maury is not measuring a representative sample.
The Dish 