Male birds of many species feed the female they are courting as part of the pair-bonding function. The purpose is to create and maintain the strong relationship needed for breeding, nesting, and raising young. Research also suggests that females who receive more food in this fashion lay larger clutches. Here, a pair of Northern Cardinals exchange a sunflower seed on a feeder in our backyard. It looked to me as I watched this for a couple of minutes that the female was the one passing the seed to the male. She has it in this photo, and the male eventually opened his bill to receive it.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
Sign up for Star Tribune newsletters
Subscribe to Star Tribune newsletters, including breaking news, Hot Dish and Talkers.
Drone footage shows Ukrainian village battered to ruins as residents flee Russian advance
The Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne has been battered by fighting, drone footage shows. The village has been a target for Russian forces in Donetsk.
Election
In heated western Minn. GOP congressional primary, outsiders challenging incumbent
U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach has a solidly conservative voting record. But Steve Boyd, a Christian conservative who has never held public office, is gaining traction as an outsider.
Sports
Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame: A class-by-class list of all members
Who's in the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame? From Bernie Bierman to the latest class, here's the list: