Over 90% of birds are monogamous, but that does not necessarily mean they all mate for life. For starters, many birds do not live long enough to search for a different mate each breeding season, either due to short lifespans or because they die early for external reasons like predation.
However, some species of birds live for a long time and stay together throughout their lifetime. They will not only raise their eggs and young together but sometimes will not even mate again if their previous partner passes away.
List of Birds That Mate For Life
Here is a list of birds known for staying together for their entire lives, arranged based on the minimum number of years they live in the wild.
Species of Bird
How Long Do They Live?(in years)
When Do They Start Bonding? (in years)
Snowy Albatross
60
11-15
California Condor
50
7-8
Laysan Albatross
50
3-4
Waved Albatross
45
6
Scarlet Macaw
40-50
3-4
Black-footed Albatross
40
5-7
Black Swan
40
2
Golden Eagle
25-35
4
Trumpeter Swan
25
4-7
Atlantic Puffin
25
3-6
Whooping Crane
22
4-7
Mute Swan
20-30
3-4
Sandhill Crane
20-30
2-7
Black Vulture
20
3-5
Graylag Goose
20
3-4
Bald Eagle
15-25
4-5
Emperor Goose
12
3
Cackling Goose
10-25
2-3
Lovebird
10-15
1-2
Secretary Bird
10-15
2-3
Macaroni Penguin
8-15
5-6
Osprey
7-10
3
Little Fairy Penguin
6
2-3
Carolina Wren
6
1
Barn Owl
4; though they can live up to 15 in some cases
1
Mourning Dove
2-4
0.25
It is important to note that out of all the above examples, there are instances where an individual bird will leave their partner or even mate with other members of their species while being in a relationship with a particular individual. This list has been made keeping in mind what the majority of birds of that species do.
FAQs
1. Do cardinal birds mate for life?
While cardinal birds often stay together for multiple breeding seasons, they do not necessarily mate for life.
2. Do mockingbirds mate for life?
No. Depending on the individual, a mockingbird may change its partner during the next breeding season or stay with the same mate for multiple seasons.
3. What backyard birds mate for life?
While considerably larger than your average backyard bird, several swans and geese stay with the same partner for their entire lives.
4. What birds mate for life in North America?
Bald Eagles, Mute Swans, California Condors, etc.
5. Which birds mate for life in Australia?
Black Swan
6. Which birds mate for life in the United Kingdom?
