13/02/2024
Eagle S*x Education 101 from our friends at the National Eagle Center!
EAGLE 101: A QUICK REVIEW OF EAGLE MATING
The season is upon us, albeit somewhat early for some of the nest reports we're hearing. The first nests in the Minnesota region are reporting eggs and many more are close behind. So, today, we're going to do a quick review of how eagle mating occurs.
One of the most common misconceptions we run into among guests and program attendees is that they think that mating happens in the air during cartwheeling. That is not the case and quite understandable when you consider how dangerous the cartwheeling maneuver is to begin with. Those eagles already have enough to hold their attention. No, the act of copulation either happens in the nest, on a branch, or even on the ground. And it happens very quickly!
Male and female eagles have identical biological structures under their tail feathers. They have a single opening called a "cloaca". During mating, the female hunches over and the male carefully (with feet balled up) places himself on her back. The female sweeps her tail feathers to the side and the male quickly touches his cloaca to hers in an act called a "cloacal kiss". In this brief moment, s***m is transferred and the whole process is over. Thus, the process of fertilization can take place internally and it is just a matter of time until the eggs are laid, usually 2-3 in a clutch in total.
Here we have a wonderful photo shared with us by Kathy Casner showing the act of mating in process. As you are out and about this winter and spring, keep your eyes peeled near nests and you may catch a glimpse of it. Great shot, Kathy! Thanks for sharing. 🦅🪹🥚🙂🥰
