About Bird Courtship
Birds do it and bees do it but birds do it with much more flair. Courtship, that is. The courtship rituals of birds can be unique and interesting. It is quite intriguing how much energy, time and effort birds put into the ritual of attracting a mate.
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Instructions
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Features
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Many different species of birds display a complex set of rituals that preceed the mating process. They use a variety of behavior to attract a potential mate. The courtship behavior of birds is naturally instinctive. Some courtship rituals are quite elaborate and serve to form a bond between the potential mates.
Significance
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The crow is an intelligent and resourceful bird and the male of the species makes it known when he is courting. When a male crow is courting a female he faces her and puffs up his feathers, no doubt to show off his birdly physique. He parts his wings halfway and bows repeatedly while crooning a love song. Crows are faithful and mate for life. If a crow is already mated he may not engage in a courtship ritual at all. That's typical male behavior to forget the romance once the wedding night is over.
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Function
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The courtship ritual of hummingbirds is an elaborate display to behold. The male hummingbird lifts his feathers and moves from side to side making a shrill sound. He moves rapidly in front of his potential mate and makes aerial dives. Male hummingbirds may also gather together and sing in an attempt to attract mates.
Effects
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Flamingos are known as elaborate birds due to their appearance. Their mating rituals could be described in much the same manner. Flamingos mate with more than one partner and call to potential mates to let them know of their interest. Depending upon how many mates a particular flamingo is interested in he could end up with his own harem if the ladies return his affection.
Benefits
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Bowerbirds probably have the most elaborate courtship rituals of all bird species. They go to extraordinary lengths to build structures that they use to try and attract females. They even decorate the structures with flowers, pebbles and other items they find. Now, that's romantic. You have to admire such a hardworking and dedicated bird.
Considerations
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Cranes woo their lady loves with a dance that consists of bowing, jumping and flapping their wings. Male sparrows puff out their chests presumably to assume a more macho appearance. The blue-footed booby performs a ritualistic dance for his potential mate and the peacock tries to attract a female by fanning his magnificent tail.
Types
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Each species of bird has its own unique courtship ritual which may consist of dancing, singing, building, flying and even feeding a potential mate. Birds are also known to give gifts to win over a potential mate. These gifts may be food or other trinkets they've managed to find. It is actually amazing how resourceful and creative male birds can be in their efforts to attract a mate.
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