Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Q Why do birds have such elaborate and varied courtship rituals?
A Courtship rituals are a form of communication, enabling birds to signal their willing-
ness to mate. They also give the birds an opportunity to assess their partner. A female
bird invests a great deal, physiologically and energetically, in producing eggs, incubating
them, and raising the young. Courtship displays can help her select a mate who is most
likely to produce healthy young.She may look forclues about his health, vigor,orability
to provision the young, based on his appearance, his display, or his song.
For example, a male bird may show off his brightly colored plumage because bright
colors indicate his health or ability to find good food. A male Snail Kite offers his mate a
stickorasnail,perhapsasignofhisabilitytoprovidematerialsforanestandhissuperior
hunting skills. Male songbirds may sing repeatedly to advertise their vigor or experien-
ce. Female Northern Mockingbirds may prefer males that sing the most song variations.
Since older males typically sing more songs, a larger repertoire may indicate longevity
and experience in raising young.
The male Eastern Bluebird displays at his nest cavity to attract a female. He brings nest
material to the hole, goes in and out, and waves his wings while perched above it. Only
the female builds the actual nest and incubates the eggs, but he shares the work in feed-
ing the nestlings.
Q Why do Blue-footed Boobies have blue feet?
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