Courtship
Birds attract their mates using a variety
of techniques, ranging from spectacular
plumage to brightly coloured legs and
inflatable pouches. Some male birds
use ritual movements, which vary from
a gull’s nod of the head to lengthy
courtship ceremonies involving bizarre
dancing displays.
Hidden support
From the back, the upright
feathers of the male
peacock’s “true” tail can be
seen. These support the
much longer and more
brilliant tail coverts.
On parade
Male lyrebirds make
themselves arenas on which
they strut and display.
The peacock’s tail
Peacocks display some of the
most spectacular courtship
plumage in the bird world.
Role reversal
Unusually for a bird, the female
red-necked phalarope
courts the male, and the
male looks after the eggs.
Lacy tail
plumes