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Hi Birdwatchers!
Spring is a very busy time for birds, but they really only have one goal - reproduction! The instinct to find a territory, a mate, a nest site, lay eggs, incubate and feed and protect young is incredible. And birds do it against overwhelming odds of habitat loss, predation, bad weather and many more obstacles. Some birds travel thousands of miles from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds, often returning to the same yard or territory. Birds are truly amazing!  | |
Lovey doves? Perhaps not...few birds are truly monogamous.
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Many times we are asked if birds mate for life. A few species such as some swans, geese and raptors do, but in most cases, birds are not nearly as monogamous as you'd think. Many of our backyard birds pair up for a nesting season, but often males practice polygyny, where they have more than one female. These females are just as likely to step outside the pair bond and mate with numerous males. It's all about getting the best results from the gene pool to pass on to the next generation! The level of fidelity varies from species to species. Male Northern Cardinals are great examples of devoted partners and doting dads. During the courtship period, you will often see the male feed the female. He will stay close to her and help bring food to their babies. After the first brood fledges, it's usually the male that takes over caring for the recently fledged young scattered about the yard as the female starts her second nest. On the other hand, male hummingbirds are little more than sperm donors. They share absolutely no parenting duties and the female raises her young by herself. Who needs "General Hospital"? Watching birds can be more exciting than any daytime drama! |
