Strange Dunnock behaviour

[Batfan]

Hi
This is the third year that, over a period of about three weeks in early spring, a dunnock sits on my window box and taps persistently at the window for anything up to ten minutes at a time. It tends to be most active in the morning, but usually visits several times during the day. Usually (but not always), there’s another dunnock nearby, so I’m wondering if this could be a part of its courtship ritual. Can anyone enlighten me?

[nikolai_avenger]

I would suggest that it considers its own reflection a different bird, probably a rival.

Cheers. Nik.

[Batfan]

Thanks Nik. Suspect that you're right, but any idea why it does it for just for two or three weeks each year?

[htcdude]

1) Maybe it finally realises it's attacking a window and not another bird

2) It's beak started to hurt, or it's worn it down

3) It's gone somewhere else

No idea if any of the above are true, just suggestions

Nige

[nikolai_avenger]

Originally Posted by Batfan

Thanks Nik. Suspect that you're right, but any idea why it does it for just for two or three weeks each year?

Just that time of year, you know, spring is in the air and all that. A bird's got to do what a bird's got to do etc. He probably doesn't want any inerlopers muscling in on his lady.

Although having said that, dunnocks are interesting in their mating/reproduction in that the females often mate with more than one male (polyandrous, I think).

Cheers. Nik.

[Batfan]

Thanks for your suggestions. Guess any of them are possible. In the meantime, will just have to hope that he gives up before he does himself any damage!!

Cheers