Avian Love Languages
As Valentine’s Day approaches and spring draws near in North America, birds are preparing to impress their lifelong or new mates this breeding season. Just as humans express affection and attraction through various love languages, birds have their own unique ways of communicating their desires and intentions. From words (or chirps) of affirmations to acts of service, avian courtship rituals can inspire our own romantic endeavors. Let’s dust off our feathers and discover some playful and diverse romance tips from the experts of the skies.
1) Acts of Service
Male Village Weavers are skilled at performing acts of service, displayed through their meticulous nest-building efforts. As expert craftsmen, they construct intricate nests not only to provide a safe space for a potential mate and brood but also as a stage to perform their mating display. Each year, these male Village Weavers devote themselves to improving the design and quality of their hanging nests, showcasing their suitability as mates. Just as the male Village Weavers adorn their nests with care, we humans can enhance our relationships by investing time and effort into acts of service that demonstrate a willingness to care for and provide for a partner.
2) Quality Time
The courtship ritual of the Waved Albatross is a compelling illustration of expressing love through quality time. After being separated for months at sea, these magnificent birds engage in an elaborate and prolonged courtship dance that can last for over 20 minutes. Through synchronized movements, bill clacking, and mutual preening, Waved Albatross pairs reaffirm their lifelong bond and strengthen their connection. Maybe the next time you’re away from your partner for a long period, you can surprise them with some elaborate dance moves.
Black Vultures exhibit a remarkable level of monogamy, forming lifelong pair bonds and remaining together year-round. This commitment to their partners mirrors the love language of quality time, as these birds prioritize spending extensive periods together, engaging in various activities such as foraging, roosting, and caring for their offspring. Take inspiration from these birds by scheduling regular outings or adventures with your mate, or even a night in, full of cuddles and laughs.
3) Receiving Gifts
Perhaps your partner is more the type who loves receiving gifts? Well, they may just be an Eastern Bluebird in disguise (or at least they’re inspired by them). Male Eastern Bluebirds deliver food to females, demonstrating the male’s ability to provide for his mate and potential offspring. Males also perform the avian world’s form of massaging, called preening, on females’ feathers, which helps waterproof their feathers and strengthens their bond. We’re sure any lover would appreciate receiving the gift of a massage or a treat, but may we suggest opting for chocolates instead of the grubs used by Eastern Bluebirds?
4) Words of Affirmation
Northern Cardinals are talented maestros at delivering songs of affirmation. As a finale to their courtship ritual, a male Northern Cardinal will shift his weight from side to side, swaying back and forth, and begin to softly sing to their mate. This melodious serenade showcases affection and attraction between mates; even serving as a form of vocal affirmation. Who wouldn’t want their loved one to sing them a song professing their love?
Maybe you’re more the duet type? Red-backed Fairywrens, found in Australia, are known for duets that mating pairs perform together. Scientists even found that mating pairs who sing duets together are less promiscuous. Who knew! It’s time to break out that karaoke machine and try your hand at it. Might we suggest “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”?
5) Physical Touch
While it seems impossible for Atlantic Puffins to get any cuter, they do! In courtship, pairs will engage in a charming behavior known as “billing,” where they delicately rub their beaks together in a tender display of affection. Although we humans aren’t equipped with the tools necessary to perform such an act, physical touch is a great way to show affection, perhaps with a hug instead of rubbing beaks.
Bald Eagles take it up a notch when it comes to physical touch. In courtship, mated pairs of these regal birds will lock talons mid-air and spiral together in a free-fall only to break apart when nearing the ground, an act known as cartwheeling. We don’t recommend this dare-devil move the next time you’re trying to get up close and comfortable with your partner but, it certainly works for Bald Eagles because after cartwheeling they return to their nest to mate.
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Our feathered friends offer a plethora of inspiration for enriching our own romantic lives. Now it’s your turn to try new vocals or dance moves to profess your love. It’s time for you to spread your wings and embark on a journey of love, inspired by the timeless wisdom of our avian companions.