Bird Courtship Display - Page 3

In many species females arrive on breeding grounds after males each spring, and to some extent have the privilege of choice among prospective mates. The female may base its choice on the song or appearance of the male, on the size or quality of the territory the male defends, or on aspects of compatibility not apparent to us. Whatever the method the female uses, the goal is the same: to find a mate likely to provide the offspring with the best chance of survival and continued reproduction. The potential pair may then engage in a series of displays by one or both birds over the next several hours, days, or weeks, to initiate and strengthen a bond between them. The early displays may be subtle, or they may be quite apparent. Spotted Towhees of both sexes briefly spread their wings or tails, revealing white spots.