Males establish a territory and attract females. Mating is a very tiring procedure to the birds. Most pairs of birds remain together throughout the breeding season. Prairie chickens meet, mate and separate. Ruby-throated hummingbirds remain together only a few days.
Ducks remain together until incubation begins.
Canada geese mate for life. Most birds mate when they are one year old. Some birds hatch several broods each year. These parents may get help raising young by early-season offspring.