Monday, August 15, 2011
Thanks to the wonderful library known as the internet, I have learned a great deal about the Carolina Wrens that have made my kitchen window their home.
They are fascinating birds. They aren't very common this far North clime, so I am fortunate to be able to enjoy them. They don't migrate, so they are susceptible to harsh winters--and we've had very harsh winters. This pair must be very hardy.
I think it's sweet that they are monogamous and mate for life; once they fall in love that's it. They even have a detailed courtship ritual. They meet and once the male puts on a show to impress the female. He is known to shake a tailfeather--he will preen and puff up and run in circles while fanning his tail and hopping. Pretty cool. Apparently the girls really dig this.
The really resourceful males will offer food to his paramour to seal the deal. It's kinda like human dating, isn't it? The males show off to get our attention and then take us out to dinner and maybe some dancing. LOL. Once the female decides that she likes the male they are bonded for life. No wonder the male tries so hard--he's asking for forever!
A bonded pair then searches for suitable housing together. It's the male's responsibility to present her with a suitable place to continue their life together as their relationship gets more serious. After the eggs are laid, males further care for their lover by bringing food to her as she incubates her eggs, and he also will help bring food and care for the hatchlings.
I've been able to witness this over the past month. The babies have been making a pleasant racket all day long along with their dad. I learned that the males are the only ones to sing. And they are LOUD! Fortunately I find it to be very pleasant. I learned that they are probably one of the loudest birds around.
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