national aviary >> social lives of birds

Birds and people share some pretty special ways of attracting a mate. Most of birds' strange behaviors –especially in springtime– are their special way of finding a breeding partner. Click below to see how birds impress potential mates, and how humans often use the same methods.

Females usually get to choose their mate, either by listening to his song, observing his colorful display or dance, checking out his new nest, or accepting a gift.

SING OUT LOUD
One of the ways birds communicate is by singing. What are birds telling each other when they sing?

VIRTUAL INCUBATOR
No, you don't have to sit on it.
Download your own virtual incubator to take care of an egg up to hatching. If your chick survives, you'll see a video of it hatching.

THE DANCE OF LOVE
Romance makes people act strange. Birds are the same way. Learn the steps to some odd dances that birds use to impress a mate.

ON THE EGG
Eggs can't defend themselves against predators or cold weather. Birds have to protect their eggs. Discover some of the amazing ways that birds keep keep their offspring safe.

The mockingbird shown here attract females using an incredibly beautiful song.

Puffin beaks become especially colorful during courtship and mating season, and tend to fade when the season ends. Red, yellow, and blue stripes help attract a mate. Looking your best always makes a good impression.

When other methods of attracting a mate aren't
successful, some birds may resort to fighting. This is especially true when males need to defend territory to attract a female.

Weaver birds want to show that they are good providers and make good partners. So they build nests, which the female will inspect. She chooses the male who is best at building a home for the family.

This blue-footed booby attracts mates with a charming dance that shows off his best feature. His spectacular blue feet are so amazing, he's named after them.

Giving presents and sharing food are common ways that birds attract and bond with a partner. Many birds have to feed a nest full of chicks. That takes teamwork and generosity, which this kind of courtship shows off.