Page 23 - World of Animals - Issue #31

Fine feathers

Only bright plumage and daring aerial skills will attract a mate

As with many animals, it is the male attention, males put on flight displays,
of the species with the extravagant soaring to great heights then diving
colouration. To catch a female’s eye, rapidly, pulling up at the last minute.
they must have the brightest, most Eventually the female will choose a
attractive plumage. Males arrive at the mate, but it doesn’t stop there. Males
breeding ground before the females will mate with several females before RIGHT
and spend this time finding the best the season is over, leaving the females Females lack
territories and defending them against to their own devices to build a nest, lay the bright red
throat colouring
other potential suitors. To compete for the eggs, and care for the young. found on males

BELOW
Males arrive at
the breeding
ground early
to pick the best
spot and defend
it from other
potential suitors

“Males put on flight displays,
soaring to great heights

then diving rapidly, pulling
up at the last minute”

23

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