Which bird pair is the hottest couple at Tracy Aviary?
Round 1: Trumpeter Swans vs Sandhill Cranes
There may not be a more lovely couple than Trumpeter Swans. These magnificent birds establish and maintain their bond through a courtship display. Both swans bob their heads while trumpeting proudly. Eventually, they may quiver their wings and gently bump into each other. Once the bond is formed the couple will both assist in building a nest by collecting plant material near the shore. At Tracy Aviary our Trumpeter Swan pair has exhibited nest building behavior in recent years. Do you think they’ll build a nest this year?
The Sandhill Cranes are ready to fly into this competition and show off their moves! Sandhill Cranes are monogamous and will mate for life. This deep bond is strengthened by a unique courtship display. Sandhill Cranes will dance by extending their wings, pumping their heads, bowing, and even leaping in the air! During breeding season, sandhill cranes will also paint mud on their bodies. While the exact reason for this behavior remains uncertain, it may help with camouflage or parasite removal. The Sandhill Cranes at Tracy Aviary are dancing through life together. Do they have your vote?
Round 2: Hooded Pitta vs Bali Myna
The Hooded Pitta is hopping into the competition with charm. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, these vibrant birds are as resourceful as they are striking. They diligently work together to forage moss, twigs, and leaves to construct their nests on the forest floor. You might be able to glimpse their efforts in Tracy Aviary’s Treasures of the Rainforest exhibit. But watch your step! There go Mr. and Mrs. Brad Pitta, hopping their way into your heart!
The Bali Mynas are swooping into the competition with a story of hope and resilience! These stunning white songbirds, endemic to Bali, Indonesia, are critically endangered due to the illegal songbird trade, with a population low of only six birds in the wild in 2001—but conservation efforts are making a difference. Tracy Aviary is proud to play a vital role in the survival of this species, successfully hatching dozens of chicks over the years. Bali Mynas are monogamous and are devoted parents, working together to build nests in tree cavities and raising their young with care. These lovebirds are not only winning hearts but also helping secure a future for their kind. Will they sing their way to the top of the bracket?
Round 3: Barn Owl vs Mystery Bird
This dynamic duo is swooping into the competition with pride! Our two loved-up female Barn Owls are here to remind everyone that same-sex pairings are seen throughout the animal kingdom. Barn Owls are incredible birds, known for their ghostly white faces, eerie calls, and remarkable hunting skills. In the wild, Barn Owls often form strong bonds, working together to raise their young in cozy tree hollows or old barn rafters, so it’s no surprise our couple is often seen cuddled up in their exhibit. At Tracy Aviary, these two queens prove that love is love—will their pride and partnership win your vote?
Who is the mystery bird couple? Can they hold their own against the Barn Owls? Only your votes will tell!
Round 4: Toco Toucan vs Kea
The Toco Toucans are ready to receive “top billing” in the competition. Their distinctive black and white coloring and massive yellow beak help them stand out from the crowd and make them one of the best-known South American bird species in the world. These birds spend much of their time foraging for various types of fruit, supplementing their diet with insects, smaller birds, and sometimes the eggs of other birds’ nests. At the Aviary, we help them engage in these natural behaviors by creating foraging opportunities and helping them investigate new items. The Toco Toucans hope they’ve “beaked” your interest and can earn your vote! The Kea are ready to play their way to the top of the competition! Kea are famous for being incredibly intelligent, curious, and a little bit mischievous. In their native Aotearoa (New Zealand), they’ve been reported doing everything from sneaking off with people’s passports to moving traffic cones into the middle of the road. Their cheeky behavior isn’t just for kicks, it’s a vital part of their survival strategy. As the world’s only alpine parrot, they need to be highly curious, resourceful, and inventive when it comes to finding food. This means Kea need a lot of fun enrichment to play with, which we are happy to provide to this endangered species as part of their Species Survival Program (SSP). They hope they can play their hearts out and earn your vote!