Most birds have distinctly different sexual organs than mammals, which means the avian reproduction process also significantly differs. Multiple factors influence their mating, and the activity includes numerous steps.
What Is a Courtship Ritual?
Procreation for birds begins with attracting and choosing a suitable mate. Enter the courtship ritual, a series of bird mating behaviors to create a bond and achieve that goal. The process varies among species and can include:
- Mutual preening
- Dancing and displaying
- Delivering food
- Feeding a potential mate
- Singing and serenading
How Do Birds Fertilize Eggs?
Bird genitalia look the same on the outside, with an opening called the avian vent or cloaca — males' testicles lie within their body rather than on the outside. Once a potential mate consents, the male deposits sperm into the female through contact between these avian vents. She can then form, lay, and incubate the fertilized eggs.
Are Birds Monogamous?
Several well-known bird species mate for life, including swans, bald eagles, Atlantic puffins and lovebirds. Other avians mate exclusively for just a season or two.
Some species may also have multiple partners during the breeding season --even if socially monogamous-- since only 1% to 2% of the male's sperm typically successfully enters the female. When this occurs, it's more often polygamous (one male and many females) than polyandrous (one female and many males),
When Is Bird Breeding Season?
Most birds mate in the spring between March 20 and June 20, known as “nesting season.” This window is when avians often return from winter locations, choose or reunite with a mate, and begin building their homes.
Thanks to their physical makeup, females can “hold” the male's sperm until conditions are prime for nesting.