Diversity is the norm in the bird world If you know one bird species, don’t think you know the life habits of the others!


S


ummer is the season of reproduc- tion for most of nature’s creatures. More than 700 species of wild


birds breed in North America, and the differences in nesting behaviour, nest building and the way young are raised is truly fascinating. The whole process of courting, nest building and the raising of a brood is a very in- tense task and the dedica- tion of the parent birds is remarkable in more ways than one.


In spring, as daylight hours are extended, phys- iological changes begin in birds which prepare them for the season of breed- ing. The timing of nest- ing for some birds can re- late to food sources. For example, American goldfinches breed later in June to time with the ripening of thistle plants, one of their favourite natural foods.


nesting material, offering food to the fe- male and of course singing.


Sherrie Versluis Feathered Friends


Some species do mate for life, like rob- ins and doves, while others are far from faithful. DNA testing has shown that some nestlings of the same brood of eastern bluebirds have multiple fathers. Male red-winged blackbirds and house wrens are known to have more than one mate at a time; this is called po- lygyny. Nests are designed to be a safe place for both eggs and the young to grow. It is truly amazing how dif- ferent one species’ nest can be from the next. Nests can


be found in many


places, including on the ground, in trees or shrubs, in cavities and on many


Some of Manitoba’s native birds will protect a nesting territory throughout winter, although some species select theirs in spring. Migratory birds choose a territory upon arrival and will defend it aggressively, as the whole purpose of migration is to reproduce. An area is chosen based on shelter and food sourc- es.


When it comes to attracting a mate it's


all about the male displaying himself in a manner that will result in a female find- ing him suitable. For the male this may include a number of antics, like showing bright plumage, aerial displays to show good health, gathering perfect pieces of


types of man-made structures. Many people experience robins building nests outside their front doors on outdoor lights; doves often build in hanging pot- ted plants. In most cases, females are the nest builders, but there are some species that build together and for others, like the house wren, it is the male who con- structs the nest himself.


For each brood, a female may lay as few as two to three eggs; in some cases, like wood ducks, they can lay up to 20. Females will produce one egg per day or every other day. Most songbirds be- gin incubation after they have finished laying all of their eggs. This ensures the young will all hatch around the same time. Larger birds like blue herons and many birds of prey incubate as soon as the first egg is laid so their young may


Marty Morantz


CITY COUNCILLOR CHARLESWOOD | TUXEDO | WHYTE RIDGE


Wishing you the best on Mother’s Day


204-986-5232


mmorantz@winnipeg.ca www.martymorantz.ca


510 Main Street | Winnipeg, MB R3B 1B9


Lifestyles 55 has a challenge for you! Do you enjoy the thrill of sales? Are you looking to succeed in the fast paced industry of


multi-media where change happens every day! Are you looking to triumph and be a part of a true Manitoba success? Lifestyles 55 is striving to achieve all of this and with your help we will.


n d l y • I n d o o r &


The robin lays an egg a day, stopping with the fourth. If any eggs are removed she re- places them until four remain in the nest.


hatch on different days. When songbirds hatch they are to-


tally helpless, being blind and bald! The most they can do is open their mouths to beg for food. It takes about a week for eyes to open and the first feathers to sprout. Songbirds grow incredibly fast, doubling their weight every few days! Ducks, geese and most shorebirds are born fully feathered and completely mo- bile.


For songbirds, feeding their young is a highly demanding and even danger- ous job. Many trips to and from the nest along with cries from the hungry young can be a strong attraction for predators. It takes songbirds about two to three


Historic. Natural. Nuturing. Lakeview Resorts: Gimli & Hecla


Visit us in the heart of the Interlake for a peaceful fall get-away. Enjoy the historic serenity of Gimli’s waterfront, or relax among nature in Hecla Provincial Park.


weeks to leave the nest, and large birds like eagles stay in the nest for eight to 10 weeks! Almost all species of birds can expect a 50 per cent death rate of all their young, either in the nest or after they have fledged. For all birds, the first year of life is the toughest; if they sur- vive that, the chance of their living their expected lifespan greatly improves. Stay tuned for the next issue of Life- styles 55 to learn about Canada's pre- cious boreal forest and how important it is to billions of songbirds each nesting season.


Sherrie Versluis owns The Preferred Perch on St. Mary’s Road in St. Vital. Phone 204-257-3724.


O


3081 Ness Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2G3 P: 204.940.2707 www.pegasuspublications.net Email: ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net


May 2017 www.lifestyles55.net 9


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