How do birds mate

We humans can easily anthropomorphize the courtship that precedes the congress of birds. The often-spectacular male display is full of bravado and macho "look at me" posturing whilst the female, in contrast, coyly and demurely feigns complete disinterest — the very model of playing hard to get. The avian act of procreation itself that follows - should the male get his way - is, however, completely alien to us and involves, shall we say, no organs that we would recognise.

It is also startlingly brief. The males of a small minority of birds such as ducks, swans and geese do have an appendage which is classed as a penis albeit quite unlike the human one and the females retain a vagina. Science offers some theories, but no complete explanation, as to why this is. Perhaps a penis is a disadvantage in flight, or that the longer coupling involved in penetrative reproduction left birds vulnerable to predators and so evolution selected it out.

The penis is formed by an extension of the cloacal wall, and unlike mammals, is erected by lymph rather than blood. Having a penis helps different types of waterfowl mate in the water without the sperm washing away from an exposed cloaca. Several other bird species, including cassowaries, kiwis, and ostriches, also have penises rather than cloacas, but the mating act is still only a brief encounter.

After mating, the sperm travels to the ova for fertilization. Eggs may be laid in just a few days or it may be several months before eggs are ready to be laid and the final brooding of the nest begins.

Many birders are at first thrilled to see unique bird behavior, then quickly become embarrassed or uncomfortable when they realize they are watching birds have sex. Because the mating act is so brief, being observed does not typically disturb the birds, but it is important to realize that this is still a delicate time for bird pairs.

If you see mating birds, it is best to keep your distance, as approaching more closely may spook the birds and force them to leave, which can interrupt their courtship or hurt their pair bond.

This may also cause difficulties for raising a brood or completing a successful mating if the pair splits prematurely. If they are severely disturbed, the birds may leave their carefully chosen territory to relocate to a less suitable area that may not provide for all their hatchlings' food, shelter, and other survival needs.

After the birds have mated, they may remain nearby to nest and raise their brood. This can provide a unique opportunity for birders to observe a growing bird family, but the same caution should be taken to stay away from the nest in order to safeguard young birds.

Too much attention can distress parent birds, forcing them to abandon the nest or hatchlings. Drawing attention to the nest can also attract predators, and birders should take great care to not disturb nesting birds in any way. Seeing mating birds can be exciting, and it's a great reminder of how special spring birding can be. By understanding how birds reproduce, birders can better realize what unique behaviors they see in the field and can take steps to protect nesting birds and their young.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. The male's sperm, which has been stored in his cloaca, is deposited into the female's cloaca, where it travels up the chamber and eventually fertilizes an egg. Though the process of avian insemination is similar to that of humans and other mammals, you won't be seeing a birdie Kama Sutra anytime soon: Birds typically have sex in only one position.

And despite rumors to the contrary, it isn't possible for birds to have sex while in flight. Usually, the male perches on top of the female, who moves her tail feathers to the side to expose her cloaca. Arching back, the male rubs his cloaca against hers.

This delicate balancing act can often take several attempts before resulting in successful copulation. Perhaps for fun — or to increase the chance of insemination — birds often have sex many times throughout the course of their mating period.