relationship with birds

Humans are not the only ones dealing with monogamous relationships. Birds also have them, more than any other animal. And, like humans, their relationships are also quite .When we think about monogamy, we tend to focus exclusively on human relationships. There are indeed many of us who opt for the monogamous lifestyle, but we’re not the only species in the animal kingdom that faces this challenge. Scientists agree that around 90% of the bird species are monogamous, a massive majority that got many ornithologists wanting to know more.

Monogamy in birds is social, not genetic

The social dynamics of bird communities are quite complex, especially when it comes to breeding. There are many factors interfering with parents’ goals, such as the places they opt for mating. If they do not hang out in the best spots, chances are low that they will meet an ideal partner. And the mission is far from being complete even if they’re lucky enough to find someone. Team work is essential to raise chicks (“It takes a village…”). Parents face a lot of challenges. That’s why birds, as animals of habit, easily overcome these challenges by repeating the same “formula” year after year. And that includes investing in a long-term relationship with a single partner. If things worked out the last time, why shouldn’t they work out the next one?

There are behavioral and biological markers that have been associated with monogamy in birds, such as longevity, body size or brain volume. Ornithologists agree, however, that higher chances in the survival of the species has led to the adoption of this monogamous behavior, instead of being something that is encoded in their DNA. That’s why we use the expression “social monogamy” to describe birds’ relationships.

Wading birds can be quite aggressive when the stability of their relationship is at stake.

Image courtesy of Pixabay (CC0 1.0).

Yes, “it’s complicated” for birds too

Birds’ romantic lives make for a very particular chapter in wildlife. Most birds seem to be kind lovers since they do not act aggressively towards their partner during the mating season, although there are exceptions (like ducks; they have no boundaries). In many cases, bird couples tend to get together months before the mating season starts. They indeed invest a lot in their relationships, but it’s no surprise that they spend some time in other nests. Extra-pairing is a very common practice in birds’ social dynamics. But just like us, birds can get quite pissed off about individuals interfering in their relationships! Partners tend to be very aggressive toward eventual intruders. Usually these situations do not affect couples’ routines, but sometimes they can be a sign that a relationship is about to end.

Yes.  Birds can also get divorced. Researchers think that partners are constantly evaluating the cost-benefit of keeping a relationship. Once one of them realizes there’s more to gain with another relationship, they leave the nest to find happiness elsewhere. All birds divorce, but some are more likely to get divorced than others. While albatrosses very hardly give up on their relationships, flamingos don’t hesitate before packing their stuff and moving on.

Why the birds are important in our life?

When birds travel, they take the seeds they have eaten with them and disperse them through their droppings. They bring plants back to ecosystems that have been destroyed, and even carry plants across the sea to new land masses. Birds have helped to shape the plant life we see around us – and around the world.

Do birds connect to humans?

It's a beautiful mutualistic relationship that's been known for more than 500 years - but now, for the first time, a team of researchers from the UK and South Africa have shown that the honeyguide birds and humans are actually communicating both ways in order to get the most benefit out of their collaboration.

Do birds have partner for life?

Around 90% of the world's bird species are monogamous. This means they have one mate at a time. Most will not pair for life though and their partner may change each breeding season. Some birds have several broods each season and may produce each one with a different partner.

What will happen if birds go extinct ?

Plant species would disappear. Another aspect of the environment that will be rocked hard is the flora. Many species of plants depend on birds to pollinate flowers, spread seed and eat pests. ... The loss of plant species could devastate ecosystems.

Can a bird fall in love with human?

Birds and humans are often remarkably similar when it comes to mate choice and falling in love, a new speed dating experiment suggests.

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