Mates for Life

Male and female falcons mate for life.

Mating pairs breed in the same territory each year. However, falcons are solitary creatures, so males and females only come together during the mating season. Every year falcons re-establish their bonds through a series of ritualistic courtship behaviours. The male shows his prowess through daring aerobatic manoeuvres that might include extravagant loops, tight turns, and fast swooping dives. And, as a part of their courtship, the males provide food for the females. This 'gift' is held in the male's talons and is offered to the female in mid-air flight.