Country diary: soft sounds of sparrow seduction

Sandy, Bedfordshire:The house sparrows are busy caring for their young, but can still find time to mate dozens of times a dayLolling in the shade under a hazel bush, I had become the inadvertent eavesdropper on a private conversation. Out of the canopy came a whispered “brrr” whirr of wings and then the soft sounds of sparrow seduction, a love song of tenderness that was scarcely imaginable from a bird known for its strident chirps.Gentle, soothing, piteous peeps drifted down, an intimate dialogue that was both charming and disarming. I caught a glimpse through the sparrows ’ bower and saw the female, mouth agape, wings a-flutter. The male rode her for a second or two only. House sparrows may mate up to 40 times a day, but it’s always a quickie.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Birds Animal behaviour Insects Environment Rural affairs Animals Wildlife Biology UK news Science World news Source Type: news