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Hello, Mate

Song is very important in the attraction of a mate for birds that have a short life span and seek a new mate each year. The beautiful songs and colourful feathers of males are used to establish and protect a territory and attract females. Many females are dull in colour, usually to camouflage them while on the nest.

During courtship, birds need to seek out their own species. Males establish a territory and attract females. Mating is a very tiring procedure to the birds.

Most pairs of birds remain together throughout the breeding season. Ducks remain together until incubation begins. Mute swans mate for life.

Most birds mate when they are one year old. Some species wait two to four years to mate like geese, eagles and swans. Some birds hatch several broods each year. These parents usually start to nest early in the year to maximise the summer months and light levels.