Although it’s impossible to say which came first -- the egg or the bird -- all birds follow a yearly behavioral cycle. Here’s what you need to know about the life cycle of a bird.
Hormones and Breeding
Obviously, the life cycle of a bird begins with the reproduction process. In late winter or early spring, most birds experience hormonal change resulting in behavioral changes. Birds that migrate begin their journey north to locate breeding grounds. Many birds stay local during the breeding season, but during this time of year stay extremely close to the nesting site.
Singing and Courting
Along with flower buds and green trees, spring brings the lovely sound of birds chirping. While these songs can be music to our ears, the singing is actually a major part of the life cycle of a bird. Most of the bird chirping we enjoy is done by males in order to attract a female mate and defend its territory from males of the same species. Singing usually stops or lessens once a mate is found.
Nests and Mating
The life cycle of a bird continues with the building of the nest. While building can vary from bird species to bird species, most of the nest building is done by the female. Once the birds mate, the female will lay one egg each day. Most birds lay four to six eggs each season but will not begin incubation until all eggs are laid. For the next ten to twelve days the female, acting as a heating pad, will sit on top of the eggs while the male bird does his duty by bringing food to the nest.
Nestlings and Fledglings
When the eggs hatch, the young birds are referred to as “nestlings.” The nestlings have not yet grown feathers and are dependant upon their parents both for warmth and food. Within ten days, most birds will have grown feathers and will begin to leave the nest. During this period of the life cycle of a bird, they are called “fledglings.” While the fledglings are still fed by their parents at this time, after a couple weeks the parents will stop all nurturing and the babies will be left on their own.
Migration and Breaking Up
As the leaves begin to change colors when autumn is approaching, many birds migrate south for the winter where they will spend the non-breeding season. For birds that do not migrate, once winter rolls around most male and female mating partners do not stay together. But as winter fades and hormones rage, the life cycle of a bird continues.
