Courting behaviour of Dark-Eyed Junco

Today one of the local Dark-Eyed Junco's exhibited what looks like courting behavior. He was singing, which has been rare if at all present in the last 3-4 months of observing them.

Additionally, there was more than one Dark-Eyed junco present. Normally there is one or two that come along to eat with, or after, the house sparrow flocks. However, there were at least 3 present all morning today and I saw as many as 6.

They also seem to be staying longer at the food location even though the food is depleted and the sparrows have left.

Finally, the other day I notice that one of them was doing a weird little dance. Hopping around with their wing tips protruding from their sides and pointing downward while chirping. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but it seems related as today he had the same pose while singing. Perhaps trying to court the ladies and/or challenge other males?

Weirdly, he was facing a big tree branch when singing and displaying his wings.

הועלה ב-פברואר 24, 2024 06:53 אחה"צ על ידי kronosaeon