5. Activity Centre
Quick quiz your way through the chapter on mating.
What Do You Know About Mating and Nesting?
Here is another chance to go hands on with a range of activities that will check what you know and give you opportunities to look further into the lives of birds. Check what you've learnt about mating, nesting and chick rearing.
1. With reference to at least three species, give examples of ways in which a male bird attracts a mate (Section 1 and 2).
2. Why might a female bird refuse to accept a male's attempts to attract her (Sections 1-2)?
3. In what ways is the bird song below an important aspect of courtship (Section 2)?
European Robin
4) Why do many species of bird nest on the ground (Section 3)?
6. How do the nesting habits of pigeons, barbets and stone curlews differ (Sections 3 and 4)?
7. How do birds protect their nests from predators (Sections 3 and 4)?
8. Why are some birds eggs white and other coloured (Section 3 and 4)?
A Bit Harder
9. What is the difference between precocial and altricial chicks? What are the conditions that have resulted in the evolution of precocial chicks? What are the advantages of atricial chicks?
10. Listen to the two birds below. How did the birds acquire the sounds they make? What are possible differences in the messages they carry to other birds (Section 3)?
Hadeda Ibis
Dunnock
11. What are the advantages and disadvantages of polygamy and monogamy for bird species (Sections 3 and 4)?
Advanced
12. Hold a group discussion comparing and contrasting oviparous birds with viviparous mammals. What are the advantages and disadvantages with regards to survival in their natural habitats?
13. With reference to three different bird families, explain how evolution and habitat have influenced nesting and chick rearing.
14. Discuss how bird song has evolved and whether it can be usefully compared with language.
Helpful Sites
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/
Try thewildfile site: Habitat and Speciation chapters