Mating Ritual American Avocet - May 2017
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
Beautiful and elegant seasonal residents, American Avocets breed and nest in the wetlands of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
american avocetrecurvirostra americanabirdmatingbowdoin national wildlife refugemontana
Initiation - Mating Ritual American Avocets
During their breeding ritual, the female avocet lowers her head to the surface of the water to initiate mating. Her positioning is called a "copulation solicitation posture". When she lowers her head, the male pecks at and stirs the water as he wades in circles around the female.
american avocetrecurvirostra americanabirdmatingbowdoin national wildlife refugemontana
Mounting - Mating Ritual American Avocets
Soon after the male pecks and stirs the water around the female, he stands on her back and flaps and stretches his wings.
american avocetrecurvirostra americanabirdmatingbowdoin national wildlife refugemontana
Post Copulation Crossed Bills - Mating Ritual American Avocets
Following copulation, the male dismounts and joins the female in a gesture of crossing bills. This final aspect of their mating behavior is perhaps the most graceful aspect of the ritual.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Avocet/lifehistoryamerican avocetrecurvirostra americanabirdmatingbowdoin national wildlife refugemontana
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
A closeup of the handsome American Avocet at Lake Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
american avocetrecurvirostra americanabirdbowdoin national wildlife refugemontana