Dancing has been a timeless source of self-expression for humans. The movement of one’s body is a non-verbal way of showcasing moods and emotions. Dancing is also an integral part of many cultures and rituals as it exhibits joy and celebration. For instance, it brings together people during wedding occasions worldwide.
But did you know that this art form isn’t exclusive to our species? Dancing extends to the animal kingdom as well, particularly among avians. Many birds use dancing moves to impress the opposite sex and attract a mate. What’s fascinating is that their performances aren’t always accompanied by what humans find helpful: the sound of music! Some birds prefer to display their dance solo, while others coordinate their moves in a troupe. The bird world harbours hidden talents, and dancing is one of the most extraordinary skills that sets them apart!
Western and Clark’s Grebes – The Ballet Dancers
While one may enjoy watching ballet shows performed by humans, it can be truly fascinating to witness the stylish choreography performed by both Western and Clark’s grebes. In the avian world, impressing partners often involves an artistic variation to test compatibility when birds choose their mates. Each spring, grebes embark on a quest to find their potential partners. When they do find someone suitable, a courtship ritual is initiated when the male and female pair up to mirror each other’s movements. After this brief phase of introduction, the grebes suddenly begin to “run” side by side on the surface of the water, taking an astonishing 20 steps per second! Their swift walk on water is referred to as “rushing”, and their impeccable steps are often likened to the expertise of ballet dancers. But there is a catch to this act for potential mates: if the two can match each other’s speed, it signals strong compatibility, but if not, they must continue their search!
Peacocks – Flaunting Feathers For Picky Partners
When it comes to avian dancers, the peacock is often the first to come to mind. When the male peafowl raises its tail and opens his colourful plumage, the resplendent shades are sure to woo the ladies! Birds have a refined vision of colour than we humans do. In the case of peafowl, it’s the females that get to choose their partner on the basis of how impressive the peacock’s tail is. A better tail would determine superior genes that will be passed on to their offspring. Female peafowls or peahens therefore take their own sweet time to take their pick, which implies that peacocks must always put their best tail feathers forward if they wish to find a mate!
Red-Capped Manakin – The Passionate Performer
If there were a showstopper on the dancing stage of the avian empire, it would undoubtedly be the red-capped manakin. These birds have truly mastered the art of dance with their expert moves. The males turn the tree branches of the rainforest into their own dance floor, showcasing their fancy footwork to capture the attention of potential mates. What’s astounding is that their dance has a striking resemblance to Michael Jackson’s signature moonwalk! These avian performers go all out to impress females and ward off competitors: not only do they know how to backslide, but they can also emit sounds while doing so by clapping their wings. The latter serves as both a rhythm to their dance and a warning to other males to back off!
Sharp-Tailed Grouse – The Tap Dancers
The title of ‘handsome group dancers’ undoubtedly belongs to the sharp-tailed grouses! Instead of going alone, they gather in groups to begin their mesmerising dance routine to charm the females. Picture this: a stunning backdrop of dawn. Now enters an assembly of male sharp-tailed grouses, stomping their feet gently but rapidly like a tap dance troupe in perfect sync. The sight makes for an enchanting courtship event. But which of these dancers would tap the heart of the potential mate, well, that’s a question their dance can answer!
Flamingos – Masters of Moves
In the world of avian dance, flamingos flamenco their way to pursue a partner with nine different signature moves. With these, they can make over a hundred combinations of dance moves! Dancing for flamingos is their own version of speed dating, however these birds are looking for a lifelong commitment! Flamboyant flamingos are natural performers — they ace the art by stepping and marching, moving their head side to side, bobbing up and down, and swaying their body to and fro in a routine as though following multiple rhythms all at once. Interestingly, both male and female flamingos demonstrate their exceptional moves to impress potential mates.
Lesser Florican – The Aerial Artists
Meet the lesser florican, or nature’s own aerial acrobat! Known for their breathtaking aerial displays, these birds engage in a unique courtship ritual that can only be described as a mesmerising dance of love.
The male lesser floricans begin their intricate dance by pushing themselves high off the ground, gracefully arching their heads to maintain balance. This impressive jump can reach heights of 2-3 metres, serving a dual purpose of warning potential competitors and capturing the attention of females. As they rise, the sound of their flapping feathers creates a quirky croak-like noise. The male bird leaps into action once every minute till he is sure to have captured the attention of nearby females. The lesser florican’s breeding period coincides with the monsoon season in India, during which they spend approximately one third of each day leaping this way. In fact, male lesser floricans jump for as many as 400 times during the three months of their mating season!
The avian world is filled with phenomenal moves that birds use to wow each other. Who would have thought that we as humans can actually add a feather to our hat by taking inspiration from the moves practised by the avian dancing crew!
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