With Father’s Day arriving soon— (Psst! It’s on June 15th this year)—we thought we’d pay tribute to the best dads of the bird world. These doting feathered fathers are some of the most attentive of the avian world, a few even taking on the main parenting role. Talk about deserving a “World’s Best Dad” mug! (But don’t worry, we have better Father’s Day gift ideas for your dad later!)
Bald Eagles
We can’t talk about dedicated dads without mentioning bald eagles, like our very own Big Bear local, Shadow. Bald eagles are known for being very hands-on fathers, helping to build and maintain the nest in preparation for the eggs. When the eggs are hatched, the father eagle takes turns with the mother to incubate the eggs, relieving her at regular intervals so she can rest and find food. Male eagles also hunt and bring back food for the growing family. And father eagles fiercely protect their young from predators, like ravens, hawks, and owls.
Northern Flickers
The Northern Flicker is the perfect example of modern parenting. Father flicker is, you could say, the main nurturer of the two parents. While nest building, the male and female both take active roles in excavating a nest cavity, typically in a dead tree. When a threat is near, the male flicker is right there defending the nest with loud calls, drumming, and displaying his white underside as a warning. Once the eggs are laid, it’s incubation time! Dad takes the night shift, and also part of the day, warming the eggs for up to 16 days. The other part of the time, he’s taking turns with the mother to forage for food. Cheers to this hardworking father!
Downy Woodpeckers
Much like Bald Eagles, Downy Woodpecker males are very much involved in building and caring for their nests. They also help to incubate the eggs, taking the night shift while the mothers are on during the day. But unlike some bird fathers, the Downy Woodpecker dad sticks around even after the eggs hatch, roosting with the young birds until it’s time for them to fly the nest. Once fledged, the young woodpeckers still have both their father and mother close by for a few weeks, helping them learn how to find food.
Great Horned Owls
And the breadwinner award goes to…the Great Horned Owl! These owl fathers not only help mama incubate her eggs but also bring her food for days until the eggs hatch. But his job doesn’t stop there: once the eggs hatch, male Great Horned Owls will continue to hunt and provide food for the whole family for several months. Owlets typically leave the nest at around 10 weeks, but these owl dads (and moms) stay close just to make sure they are well fed until they can fend for themselves.
Found a baby bird on the ground? Here’s what to do.
Mourning Doves
Nursing mothers will appreciate this next bird dad’s skills. Male Mourning Doves not only take the early morning shift of incubating eggs, but they (and the females) also produce a protein-filled substance called “crop milk,” which they feed to the young doves. This “milk,” which has a more cottage cheese-consistency, is rich in nutrients, helping the baby doves grow and build a strong immune system. As if this alone doesn’t sound like a huge deal, consider this: Mourning Doves can raise up to six broods in one breeding season. That’s a lot of nest building, egg sitting, and milk feeding!
Northern Cardinals
Think about this dad the next time you ask someone in your family to finally take out the trash. Male Northern Cardinals do this automatically, removing waste from the nest to keep it clean and healthy for the new hatchlings. The baby birds defecate into fecal sacs, which are sort of like the Pampers of the bird world. The male Northern Cardinal carries these sacs off for disposal, a task that not only keeps the nest hygienic, but also keeps it from attracting predators. On top of this, male cardinals tirelessly fly back and forth to the nest, making sure the mom and babies are regularly fed. (And as if you need another reason to love male Northern Cardinals, here’s another: during courtship, they “kiss,” or press beaks, with their mates. These guys are crushing it!)
Northern Mockingbirds
Imagine being pregnant and the soon-to-be-father building multiple nurseries for you, just so you can pick the one you like most. That’s the life of a female Northern Mockingbird. After choosing a nesting site, the male will then try to impress her by building multiple nests. She will then choose a nest and finish off the inside. And though only female mockingbirds incubate their eggs, once the eggs hatch, both parents share feeding duties. But don’t get too close to the nest: mockingbird dads fiercely protect it from predators, attacking and mobbing birds and animals (and sometimes humans!) who are too close for comfort.
Celebrate Dad with a Father’s Day Gift from Chirp!
Visit the Chirp Store in Big Bear Lake to shop unique Father’s Day gifts that he’ll appreciate. Is he a coffee enthusiast? Gift him some Chirp bird-friendly coffee, available in four delicious roasts (and as a monthly gift subscription). Is he a birdwatcher, hiker, or nature lover in need of new gear? Shop field guides, birding optics, and more at the Chirp store.
COMING SOON: The Wings and Wild Things Nature Festival
Enjoy live animal presentations, guided nature walks, arts and crafts, and more at a day festival like no other. It’s coming up quick, so reserve your spot and register now!
