20 January 2025 | TravelLocal

Love Birds: The Creatures Who Put More Effort Into Valentine's Day Than Men

20 January 2025

February is the month of love, but humans are not the only creatures getting romantic. In fact, many creatures, particularly birds, express their affection better than humans, proving that some birds do Valentine’s Day better than men!

The search for a mate is a timeless and universal journey, often brought to life through the mesmerizing courtship rituals and intricate mating strategies of some of the world’s most extraordinary birds. From the sweeping savannas of Africa to the enchanting Galápagos Islands, discover some of the most captivating destinations where you can witness these remarkable displays of love in the wild.

The Kori Bustard: Africa’s Grand Lekking Spectacle

Kori Bustard. WangLiQiang/ Shutterstock.com

In the savannas of southern Africa, the kori bustard—the continent’s largest flying bird—creates a dramatic courtship spectacle known as ‘lekking’. Males gather on hilltops, inflating their necks to massive proportions while emitting deep, booming calls. These twice-daily displays are a mesmerizing sight for wildlife enthusiasts. Head to the Okavango Delta in Botswana for the best viewing.

TravelLocal offers a 6 night itinerary to Botswana priced from US$5,555pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights) taking in a chance to see the Kori Bustard, as well as the Big 5. All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Bird of Paradise: Indonesia’s Dazzling Dancers

The bird of paradise. Ryan Boedi/ Shutterstock.com

Deep in the rainforests of Indonesia, male birds of paradise inherit complex dance moves from their fathers and perfect them over time. With their vibrant plumage forming elaborate ‘skirts,’ these birds perform intricate routines to captivate female onlookers. Their display is a masterpiece of rhythm, color, and dedication.

TravelLocal offers a 14 day exploration of Indonesia priced from US$2,240pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights) where you can be enchanted by the dancing delights of the bird of paradise while indulging in your ultimate forest fantasy. All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Blue-Footed Booby: A Dance of Commitment

Blue footed boobies. Jo Reason/Shutterstock.com

On the shores of Peru, Mexico, Chile and the Galápagos Islands, male blue-footed boobies put on an endearing performance to woo their mates. They showcase their vibrant blue feet, performing a high-stepping dance complete with wing-spreading and whistling. The brighter the blue, the better the chance of winning over a mate—a true test of health and vitality.

TravelLocal offers a 10 day Peruvian adventure, including visits to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, priced from US$2,950pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Red-Capped Manakin: The Michael Jackson of Birds

Red-capped manakin. Don Mammoser/ Shutterstock.com

Nicknamed the ‘moonwalking bird,’ the red-capped manakin dazzles in Central American forests of Costa Rica with a gravity-defying display. Males zip onto branches, moving so rapidly their legs become a blur, all while emitting a series of buzzing and snapping calls. Their striking black, red, and yellow plumage adds to the show.

TravelLocal offers a captivating bird-watching tour in Costa Rica priced from US$1,592pp for 2 travelers for 7 nights (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

The Waved Albatross: A Romantic Reunion

Waved albatrosses performing a mating ritual. Jose Rui Santos/ Shutterstock.com

On Española Island in the Galápagos, waved albatrosses return to their lifelong partners with an intricate courtship dance. They bow, click their beaks rhythmically, and sway side to side in perfect harmony. These displays reaffirm their bond—an avian ode to enduring love.

TravelLocal offers the ultimate 10-day escapade through the Galápagos priced from US$3,000pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). The itinerary includes a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises, a visit to the pristine beauty of Tortuga Bay, hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano for breathtaking views and snorkelling at Kicker Rock to witness amazing marine life. All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Ostrich Kantling: Flirting with Feathers

Ostriches. Michael Potter11/ Shutterstock.com

The flightless ostrich compensates with an elaborate courtship dance known as ‘kantling’. Males drop to their knees, twist their necks backwards, and rock side to side in a dramatic rhythm. This flashy performance, complete with fluffed feathers and wing flapping, aims to impress females and potentially secure a lifelong mate. Get up close with ostriches in Oudtshoorn, South Africa.

TravelLocal offers a 2-week self-drive trip along the Garden Route of South Africa priced from US$4,930pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights) which includes stops in Oudtshoorn as well as Robertson Wine Valley, the coastal town of Knysna and a whale watching trip in Hermanus before ending in cosmopolitan Cape Town. All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

I learn something every day from our amazing, handpicked local experts. Today it's that I need to up my game this Valentine's Day and be more like a Bird of Paradise. Seeing it all in person would, of course, help immeasurably! Our local experts come into their own when you need specific local knowledge like this to elevate your vacation - it makes all the difference, and is at the heart of everything we do.

Huw Owen, TravelLocal founder

February is the perfect time to combine romantic escapes with unforgettable wildlife adventures, offering the chance to witness nature’s own Valentine’s Day celebrations in stunning locations around the globe. Let TravelLocal help you craft a truly extraordinary travel experience this February—and beyond.

Images: Shutterstock

Editor's Note: TravelLocal provides the very best tailor-made vacations to over 100 countries by connecting you directly to handpicked travel experts who actually live in your destination. Launched in 2016 by a team of experienced travel professionals, TravelLocal was created to reimagine the industry for the better. We believe that the best trips are created by travel experts with unparalleled local knowledge, so we carefully handpick only the best agents from all over the world to bring you extraordinary vacations. By allowing our experts to take center stage, we don’t need a sales team and can keep our costs right down. This, combined with our local experts’ determination to use local businesses wherever possible, means that far more of your money goes straight into the economy of your destination than with a traditional agency model. By booking with TravelLocal, your money is protected, your destination is supported, and your tailor-made vacation is going to reap all the benefits of local expertise. Everybody wins!

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