Monday, April 13, 2009

Do Purple Martins Flirt?

Here's an adult female Purple Martin (in front) and an adult male behind her. I hesitate to call them a pair yet, since we are in the early stages of the season, when pair bonds are just forming.


But, what's this? Look at the left eye of the female, the one facing the camera. Is that a wink?



I believe it is.
Flirting must be universal.

4 comments:

Susan Gets Native said...

You know, I have guys wink at me all the time, but I don't know if I could call it flirting. It's more of a "I'm on your side" thing, or "Let's mess with that other person" thing.
I mean, really. Does someone winking at you get your interest? Who came up with "winking", anyway???
Sorry. I went on a little rant there.
Male screech owls wink at females, so you might be on to something here, Kathi.

denapple said...

Looks like she's asleep to me. Go away Martin, you don't interest me at all. Ho-hum!

dguzman said...

Hee hee! I just love watching the birds coupling up in the spring, flying in close formation and frolicking around. Birdy love!

holly-the-person said...

Winking is most definitely flirting! What else would you call that most famous shot of Marilyn Monroe winking lasciviously?