Courtship Behavior*
Many of the following behaviors look so much like what we see in loving human relationships that it's no wonder that the description"lovey-dovey" was coined. Video clips available at the Alberta Classic website.
Bow
Both male and female do this, but it is usually a male claiming "this is my spot" while trying to impress a nearby female. The bird puffs up its neck, lowers its head, and turns around in either a full or half circle. When a male does this, his tail is usually pointing down. A female will usually keep her tail pointing straight back when she bows.
Tail-Drag
Males do this in front of their mates. Between bows, the male lifts his head, spreads his tail, and moves a short distance dragging his tail along the ground. This is a classic- he is strutting his stuff!
Displacement-Preening
Both male and female do this and it reminds me of two people timidly flirting. One of the birds turns its head away and touches its shoulder with its beak. I picture an embarrassed (or coy) smile on their face when they do this.
Allo-Preening
The pair does this together. It looks, to me, like a very tender display of affection. One bird pecks gently at the head feathers of the other bird. The female usually does this to the male for a week or two before she lays her eggs. After the eggs are laid, it is usually the male who preens the female.
Billing
A mated pair does this. It looks like a very serious kiss!
The female puts her bill into her mate's open mouth and
they bob their heads up and down together a few times.
The pair does this when the female is about ready to lay an egg
Driving
The male appears to chase his mate away from the flock. Perhaps they want some alone time?
Nodding
Males and females do this in an area they think is a good nest location. The bird crouches down, as if sitting on eggs, and nods its head up and down repeatedly.
Wing-Clapping Flight
Adult males and females often do this. As they take off and fly, a bird's wings hit together at the top of the wing-stroke making a loud clapping noise.