Some birds, such as House Wrens and hummingbirds, have multiple mates. Recent research has shown that even monogamous birds may bond with another bird that is not its partner to enhance its breeding success. This practice is unusual in the birding world even though most birds are monogamous for at least one breeding season. Geese, swans and eagles are known for having only one mate until one of them dies. Some species, however, mate for life while others mate multiple times during one season. Most birds mate for only one season – and only one reason. Peek out the window and let us know what signs of love you spot. Then the male finds another female to occupy one of the remaining nests. They show the females the nests and let her choose. House Wrens are known to build nests for their mates. Jays and cardinals will offer their female partner a sunflower seed as a gift of affection. Mourning Doves and mockingbirds also will fluff out their feathers and dance a little mating two-step. Cranes are well known for their fantastic dancing as they begin their courtship.

Seabirds and waterfowl bob their heads, bow and flutter their wings to attract their mates. A male with a larger repertoire of songs may be considered more attractive than one with only a few songs.

They can make quite a racket – the louder the better! Other birds use sound to attract their mates but do so with a song or repertoire of songs. If you have woodpeckers in your yard, you probably already know one way these birds go after a partner – by rat-tat-tatting on your house or gutter downspouts. And springtime is the most likely time for you spot some of these unique behaviors right in your own backyard. Courting and Mating: Birds court one another with dances, songs and building nests.įrom dancing to eating to nest building to singing, birds have many courtship rituals.

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