Many birds have complex mating and courting rituals. For example, the males of many duck species develop a handsome plumage during the spring. Dressed in this courtship plumage, the males begin competing for females by taking part in interesting-looking mating displays. The mating displays consist of ducks showing off the colours of their courtship plumage and by doing species-specific courtship movements. These help the females to distinguish the males of their own species.

Finally, the female duck chooses the male duck it finds the most attractive as its mating partner.

Unlike male ducks, female ducks do not show off. Their plumage is subdued and brown, because this colour provides them with an effective camouflage when they are taking care of their new eggs.


The male northern shoveler has an impressive courtship plumage.