Spring is a time of intense, energetic activity in the world of birds. Breeding stocks of all species are in the best physical condition they will be in for the whole year, some having spent the winter in more southerly climes. Clothed in bright, fresh, colorful plumage, hormonal changes within their bodies begin to move them to, mate, nest, and reproduce. Each spring, as migrating birds journey to their respective breeding areas, these flights may be punctuated by courtship displays of various types as males attempt to attract females. Some birds are paired up before or as they are migrating. Others get together on stop-offs on their ways to their breeding grounds, and still others begin courting only when finally in the area they will be nesting. Males of each species, are now in full breeding colors, many of which trigger responses from the females. They also go through much bowing, aerial acrobatics, wing flashing, feather fluffing, and fighting. All in an attempt to win a mate. 

     Courtship rituals are present in the lives of all birds to one extent or another, but some are more outstanding than others. Because the breeding periods are so short in the northern latitudes, many waterfowl are already mated as early as the previous autumn. Early migrating common goldeneyes will gather along open water fringes of thawing lakes and rivers up north. As they vie for the attentions of a lone hen, they'll go through numerous contortions and displays from "bowsprits" (stretching their necks and pointing bills upward), to "head throws" (tipping their heads onto their back with bill pointing upward).

     Canvasbacks perform similar exhibitions with swelled necks and bulging chins. In most of the waterfowl these displays are performed along with standing up on their tails, beating their chests with their bills or "head bobbing." Sometimes they will assume a "threat" posture with head out towards the competitor and bill opened. All this activity is often accompanied by chases on the water and in the air. Some, like the ruddy duck, are downright comical. Some species like pintails, widgeon and teal, wheel about in the air chasing a female, grabbing at her tail feathers. Often a flock of seven or eight males will chase a single female in twisting turning flight, until she tires of the whole affair and makes a choice.

Interesting courtship displays are not limited to waterfowl. Other marsh and upland game birds have annual courtship flights and displays of their own. The common snipe flies in wide, roller coaster-like arcs, emitting a strange, almost yodel-like sound from its wing feathers as it swoops downward. This is known as "winnowing." The woodcock also has an unusual courting practice. Soon after the late-March sun dips below the horizon, the cock spirals up into the sky over 100 feet or so, levels off, then descends in fluttering, zig-zagging flight. As he drops, he utters a distinct variable note "cheeping" call in the cool evening air. Once on the ground, he struts proudly. Calling "peent," attempting to attract a willing female. These areas could be in a wet mountain meadow; a swale on a piedmont field, or a low wet grassy area alongside a woods in the Northern Neck. They are known as "peenting grounds." The wild turkey gobbler makes a big show by seeking out hens, gobbling to get them to reveal their location. Sometimes they'll come to his calls but usually he'll go to them, gobbling, strutting, fanning his tail, dragging drooping wings and hissing. During the spring turkey-hunting season, hunters use the gobblers interest in females during spring to lure him within gun range with the sweet calls of a hen turkey.

     Songbirds, marsh birds and water birds too have their spring courtship rituals. The variety of dances, displays, calls, and flight antics during courtship is ongoing for some birds well into June. Males and sometimes females squabble and fight over potential mates and territory. The red-bellied woodpecker hammers on metal rain gutters to let other males know that this is his territory and to females that he's looking for company. The male cardinal feeds his "lady" tidbits of food. Least tern males feed their mates with small fish on the flats. Some hawks and owls go through a series of dives, deadfalls, and loops. Egrets dance and jump with wings spread and plumes extended. These beautiful, entertaining, sometimes serious, and sometimes comical courtship rituals, are important events as the many types of birds once again prepare to reproduce their kinds. 

© 2001 Spike Knuth All Rights Reserved