Page 17 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

COURTSHIP AND MATING

BREEDING MATING
When it comes to reproducing, there The act of mating is brief,
isn’t just one favoured strategy. Even but can be frequent. Ospreys
within some species there is variation. mate scores of times during
The Dunnock may form a simple pair the egg-laying period, but
a single mating is enough
that stays together all summer, but some to fertilize a whole clutch
males have more than one mate and, of eggs. Most birds mate
indeed, so do some females. Even on the ground or a perch.
within apparently monogamous species, However, Swifts may mate
fidelity is not always the norm, and in the air whereas ducks,
should one of the pair die, the survivor such as these Goldeneyes,
usually has little difficulty finding mate on water.
a new mate. Unless the population
is in decline, there is usually
a healthy surplus. MONOGAMOUS BONDS
Most birds are monogamous, although
many are quick to seize the chance to
mate with a passing stranger. It seems
that an extra mate is viewed as insurance
against possible failure, as it doubles the
chance of finding a fit and successful
partner. Some species, such as the Mute
Swan, however, pair for life and maintain
a year-round bond that is rarely broken.

MUTUAL PREENING
Strengthening the bond between a male and female
bird takes many forms. These Guillemots are preening
each other; such intimate contact means that all the
usual barriers that keep individuals apart have been
broken down while they are rearing their offspring.
PROMISCUITY
The male Capercaillie mates with
many hens. This gives him as many
chances as possible to sire healthy REVERSAL OF ROLES
offspring. Afterwards, he has In a few species, such as the
nothing more to do with the hens. Dotterel, the female is larger and
brighter than the male. She lays a
clutch of eggs for him to incubate,
then goes off to find another male.

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