Doing the Dance: Courtship Among Birds

In the spring when the days grow longer, food is more abundant, and the weather is warmer, male birds decide it’s time to find a mate and raise a family. Unfortunately, females aren’t ready to settle down as soon as males, so they require coaxing – sometimes a lot of coaxing.

Males with brilliant plumage don’t seem to need to perform elaborate rituals since their good looks is usually enough to attract the interest of the opposite sex, but it’s the exceptions to this rule that attract our attention. Peacocks, Birds of Paradise, and other brilliantly plumed birds that performing ritual dances are as interesting to human voyeurs as they are to the females of their species, and I never tire of watching any time I am lucky enough to find an opportunity.

It’s interesting to note that in species where the male and female plumage is similar, the male usually shares in the nesting and childrearing responsibilities. Brilliantly plumed males seem to think their good looks entitles them to a life of leisure and they are rarely willing to share any domestic chores.

How to Impress a Girl
When a male does his best to impress a female, she will study him closely. She's looking for bright, intensely colored plumage which is a good indicator of the health and quality of breeding of her suitor. She is also looking strength and agility. A strong partner will have a better chance of defending the family from predators. When suitors are plentiful she will only choose the very best, insuring the health and survival of her chicks.

This hub is all about the dance. Since the dances are visual delights and aren’t as interesting when described, I’ve tried to make this hub more visual than descriptive.