by Kennedy Zittel, naturalist
Love is in the air! On Valentine’s Day, humans may send each other cards, flowers, or even just show a little extra love to one another. Whether it be a courtship flight, song, or even gift – many local birds have interesting ways that they woo their love interest.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d gladly share my carrion with you
Turkey Vultures may not be one of the birds that come to mind when you think of love, but they should be! Turkey Vultures are monogamous – meaning they stick with the same mate for life. When they are courting, the pair of vultures will perform a dance-like flight. One vulture will lead and the other will follow, circling, twisting, turning, and gliding through the air together as if slow dancing. How romantic!
Owl always love you
Great Horned Owls begin nesting in January/February, making them the earliest nesting bird in Wisconsin. During their courting season, males will call out continuously hoping for a female to respond. Once she does, the pair will perform a beautiful duet of “hoos”. During their song, the owls will take turns bowing to one another. During their courtship season, males will also bring the female a gift of food… dinner and a show!
Can I have the tur-key to your heart?
Male Wild Turkeys are the definition of dress to impress. After they get the female’s attention by gobbling, they will put on an elaborate show for her. They will strut, lower their wings, puff up their feathers to look extra big, and fan their beautiful tail feathers.
I find you shriking
Northern Shrikes visit Wisconsin during the winter. These unusual songbirds actually eat other birds, rodents, and insects. During their mating season, male shrikes will present the female with a gift. How sweet! He will offer her a gift of prey, by impaling it on a sharp thorn or twig…Romantic? The female will select her mate based on the size of the prey, the larger the prey the more interested she will be! A tasty mouse will win her love faster than a little grasshopper.
You make my heart flutter!
Not only are they the color associated with love, Northern Cardinals are some of the most romantic songbirds around. Male cardinals will sing softly to the female cardinal. As they sing, they will sway slowly back and forth like a little slow dance to their own music. As if being serenaded isn’t already sweet, the male will even bring the female a gift of food too.
I’ve fallen for you
Bald eagles begin courting early in the year here in Wisconsin. They have one of the most interesting courtship displays, the male and female will fly high into the sky together, lock talons, and then dramatically fall to the ground! As they cartwheel towards the ground, they will break away at the very last moment. This act proves their strength, and certainly builds trust in your partner.
Wood you be my Valentine?
One of the more silly (to us) bird courtship displays is done by the American Woodcock. As the sunsets (romantic!) males begin to make a very nasally “peent” sound. Once they are noticed by a female, the male will leap up into the air and spiral! As he twirls in the air, special feathers on his wings vibrate, making a high-pitched whirring sound.
Happy Valentine’s Day!