Even Birds Have It Tough
January 26, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Miscellaneous
Even Birds Have it Tough
It turns out that researchers out in Colorado found that female songbirds pick their mates based on a variety of characteristics. Song, feather coloring and placement and possibly even beak size. (no comments on “size matters” please) 
But rather than stay the same from year to year, the females changed their mind every year. One year it was feather placement and color, the next song. I’m told that Lark Bunting females had a thing for beak size in 1999 but switched to body feather color in 2003.
So, what’s the point?
Turns out that even male birds can’t get a break when it comes to females being consistent.
And because of this selection process, male Lark Buntings are a completely mixed up group of birds with different feather coloring and placement not to mention beak size differences.
So what’s a poor guy supposed to ?
This is terrific to know (for me, not the males) (and by me I don’t mean I’m looking to get hooked up). I love the PBS video I have on bowerbirds, where the male has to become an artist to attract a mate.
Interesting and hilarious! Love the new look, by the way!
The Lark Bunting migrates to central/south America each winter where the male loses his brilliant coloring. He only ‘dresses up’ when spring returns, then shows off his new finery to the female while singing his best. She builds most of the nest, incubates the eggs with little help, and forages for herself. Papa might show a bit of interest and help when the kids are nearing adulthood. So, really, what does the female have to look for but physical attributes and performance?
However, Papa Wren builds 2 or more nest for Mama Wren to pick from. They, as do Cardinals, mate for life. The wrens come back to the same location each year. Haven’t yet figured out what their kids do.
Saw a mama cardinal on the road after hit by a car. Papa Cardinal kept coming back to her and eventually met the same fate. Have watched Papa shell sunflower seeds to help feed Mama, apparently so she could get back on the nest quicker. Although he (and Papa Wren) helps incubate the eggs and feed the young.
Have seen a flock of waxwings feeding on a large rosa rugosa being more courteous than a family of people at Thanksgiving Dinner.
Watched a small bantam rooster tackle a very large cow that got close to the baby chicks.
Seems like birds are a lot like people. Different.
lol-this was hilarious! loved it, and a very
interesting read too. Who would of thought
‘beak size’ would be so important–to those
Lark Buntings!
I agree also on the look! Love it!
Ahh! We fickle females.
Well… it was an interesting bit of bird-lore. And a smart guy knows when to leave a comment alone.