mating

copulation

Sexual joining of bodies

• inseminationIntroducing sperm for conception
• fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote
• spawningReleasing eggs to reproduce

ovulation · conception · gestation · offspring · progeny · clutch · brood · eggs · sperm · gametes

pheromones

Species-specific chemical messengers

• allureAttractive, tempting quality
• seductionEnticing someone romantically
• desirabilityQuality of being sought

chemistry · magnetism · enticement · lure · captivation · desire · arousal · scent · display · plumage

pairing

Joining two together

• monogamyOne partner at a time
• partnershipShared business arrangement
• fidelityLoyalty or exactness

commitment · coupling · attachment · lifelong · devotion · nest-building · duet · companionship · intimacy · loyalty

wooing

Romantic pursuit of another

• displayPresentation for viewing
• ritualCeremonial set of actions
• danceRhythmic bodily movement

serenade · peacocking · advances · suitor · plumage · bowerbird · strutting · vocalization · nuptial · preening

speciation

Formation of distinct species

• hybridizationMixing distinct genetic lines
• crossbreedingMating unlike organisms
• interbreedingMating between distinct populations

population · species · habitat · selection · fitness · adaptation · polymorphism · dimorphism · diversity

rut

Channel or tedium

• estrousSexually receptive phase
• heatTransferred thermal energy
• springtimeSeason following winter

migration · timing · synchronization · hormonal · cycles · annual · seasonal · periodicity · receptivity · peak

• reproductionreproduction, birth, baby, egg, sperm
• animal behaviorsswimming, running, walking, jumping, flying
• bird behaviorsflying, soaring, perching, nesting, migrating
• bird traitsfeathered, plumed, plumage, plumaged, beaky
• life cycleslife cycle, birth, death, growth, metamorphosis
• nocturnal activitynight vision, night feeding, prowling, stalking, night flying