Introductory Business Trivia Quiz

Answer: It provides a display of their intelligence and maturity

The intelligence and maturity of a prospective mate will be showcased by the intricacy of the song and, to a lesser degree, the variety of different songs that the bird can muster. Singing is also a way for a bird to demarcate its territory and provide a warning to potential competitors to "back-off".

This latter characteristic is generally restricted to the males of the species. In some bird species, singing is the first step in developing a bonding ritual. Here both sexes are likely to perform as a duo, singing and counter singing throughout their courtship.

Answer: Albatross

The albatross is an interesting creature and possesses a mating programme that, in some ways, is similar to that of humans. The albatross is the longest living of the great seabirds, surviving to an average age of fifty years. Because of this longevity the act of breeding is not an immediate priority but once they do breed they will invest a lot of time in looking after their young. Sexual maturity may take as long as ten years in some albatross species but these early years are not wasted as the young birds are encouraged to study the mating rituals of their elders.

The courtship of the albatross will include a series of intricate dances and vocalisations. Initially the birds will perform to a wide array of partners though they will gradually reduce this field as they search for the one partner they will spend their lives with. The chosen pair will then use their singing and vocalisations to create their own unique language.

Answer: True

Females will seek out the male that is most likely to ensure the survival of their offspring. In some species of birds, the brightness of the male's feathers comes about by the increased consumption of carotenoids, which are specific organic pigments that are obtained from fruits and vegetables.

The thought process here is that the bright plumage is the result of good foraging and those genes will subsequently be passed on to the young. Another attraction for the female of brightly coloured plumage can best be summed up by the "Handicap Hypothesis", which indicates that the bright colours will make the male more vulnerable to predators and the fact that he's survived despite this handicap is a positive thing.

Answer: Inexperience and hesitancy

A mistake is also likely to indicate a level of immaturity in the bird and it is highly unlikely that it will progress to a successful mating that season. The whole point of the dance is to attract and then maintain that attraction. A bird's movements can incorporate breathtaking dives, wing flapping, head bobs and dips and a range of very elaborate dance steps. Usually the dance is a competition amongst the males, however, there is evidence in the bird kingdom of co-operation amongst males in certain species.

The tropical manakins, for example, perform a backward leapfrog dance which, on the surface, looks like two males vying for the attention of the female. In truth it is a carefully choreographed pact that the "alpha" male of the pair will win every time. For the wingman though it is not all bad news as, in time, he will inherit this breeding ground.

Answer: Brolga

Cranes are extraordinary dancers. The Sandhill crane, for example, engages in a duet with its partner that evolves into an elaborate performance which is complete with leaping, crouching and bowing. However, none are more exacting or engaging as that of the Australian brolga.

The brolgas will mate with their partners every year and each year this intricate dance routine is performed with the same unbridled passion. The ritual begins with the brolga taking a clump of grass, tossing it into the air and then catching with its mouth.

In a slow progression it then begins walking and calling before moving into some head bobbing and bowing and, finally, exploding into a series of jumps with wing flapping. This may involve one bird dancing alone, usually the male, or both together.

It would not be uncommon to see the whole colony of brolgas join in the dance.

Answer: Preening

Preening is generally grooming, taking care and pride in your appearance. This also provides the birds with the opportunity for some self maintenance; however, as a courtship ritual it helps to diffuse boundaries and aggression between the birds. It allows the birds to get closer to each other and provide evidence that they do not intend to cause harm.

In some birds, and doves are a good example, preening can be seen as the first step in the mating ritual. A dove will start preening itself near a potential partner. Once both of them start to preen the next indication that progress is being made is that they will start to preen each other.

Then, if both are accepting of this move, the preening will shift from the body toward the face and neck.

Answer: Yes

Feeding is one of the most common behaviours amongst birds during courtship because it works on a number of different levels. Apart from solidifying the bond between the pair it is an indicator to the female that (a) her man can find food, (b) he is willing to share it, and (c) more importantly, he can provide for her while she is incubating the eggs.

The manner of this feeding ritual will differ between birds. Some will place seeds directly into their partner's mouth, male gulls are likely to regurgitate seafood at the feet of a potential mate while the Northern harrier will transfer food to its partner in mid air.

Answer: American kestrel

Most birds of prey have a very pronounced courtship feeding ritual. This extends from the Northern harrier's mid air transfer of food to the snowy owl's showy display of its kill that almost amounts to a theatre production.

The American kestrel will feed on small animals such as voles and lizards. During courtship, the male will bring its kill to its territory and settle on a perch somewhere near the proposed nesting site. He then makes an announcement to the female by calling out with three or four "klees". From this point it takes to flight and puts on a show that consists of a series of climbs and dives. The female begins the acknowledgement process by joining the male in flight. They will then return to the perch, sit side by side and bow their heads several times. After these rites are complete the female will accept the offering from the male's talons.

Answer: These can all be seen as advantages

Building a nest is also an indication to the female that the male is taking the prospect of raising a family seriously. The process is also an opportunity for the male to show off his decorating skills and making the nest more striking and eye catching.

Another view has been raised in the "Runaway Selection" hypothesis, which indicates that females are drawn to positive traits in males and the creation of elaborate and defendable homes are viewed as mechanisms that generate positive feedback. However, there are some inherent dangers here.

The effort expended by the males could lead to a loss of energy which may make the bird more vulnerable to predators. There's also the risk that the female may choose another or choose to build her own nest after mating.

Answer: Bowerbird

A bower is defined as a lady's room and the bowerbird will go to elaborate lengths to create a nook to attract a female companion. The huts or covered walkways that they construct are made from sticks and leaves and they are then decorated with an assortment of brightly coloured trinkets.

These trinkets can include feathers, shells and bits of litter such as nails, pieces of glass and even rifle shells. Generally there are two types of bowers built. One is the maypole which involves placing sticks around a central stem.

The really good constructors will be able to fashion a hut style roof for their female companions. The other is the walkway (or avenue) style which is a structure built inside two vertical walls of sticks. The male bowerbird is also a gifted illusionist.

They will spend hours arranging and then rearranging objects, for example, from the smallest to the largest, in an effort to create some sort of perspective that will capture and then maintain the female's attention. The longer they are able to keep the female's attention the greater their chance of mating success.