The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is probably one of the sweetest birds ever. To attract a mate, the bird will force air into the patch of red skin on its throat, called the gular sac, so that it in 20 minutes it is fully inflated into a heart-shaped balloon. Then, the male bird sits in wait for a female to pass by. When one does, they waggle their heads from side to side, shake their wings, and call to their amour. I feel like if I wras a bird I would be pretty impressed by a guy waving a heart-shaped balloon and calling at me. Maybe I’m easily won over now that I think about it…
Habitat: originate from Thailand to Indonesia
Status: No Conservation Concerns
Kissing Gouramis (Helostoma temminckii) sound like they would be great fish lovers, but in fact, the kissing isn’t to show affection. Males of this species will spar with other males by protruding their mouths so that they can “kiss” them into submission. The best “kisser” gets the territory everyone is after!
Lovebirds (genus Agapornis) don’t get their name because they look so lovely; they get it because how in love they become with their mates! These birds are very affectionate towards their romantic partner and form close bonds that can last for their entire lives – which can be as much as 15 years! In Celtic mythology, Aengus, the god of love, was seen with four tiny lovebirds flying around his head. There are several different species of lovebirds such as Fischer’s lovebird (Agapornis fischeri), Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), and the Red-headed Lovebird (Agapornis pullarius), among others. However, I did own a pair of lovebirds when I was younger, and let me tell you these things are anything but sweet. I remember crying from bird bites!
Everyone loves getting flowers on Valentines Day, but what if your prospective lover looked just like a flower! Would you be interested? Female Orchid Mantises (Hymenopus coronatus) sure are since their male counterparts are so well camouflaged against orchids and lilies that I can’t even find them in these pictures sometimes!
Status: Near Threatened
If you’re feeling a bit down about Valentine’s Day then you share something in common with the Bleeding-heart Dove (Gallicolumba luzonica)who was obviously dumped right before the holiday. Just kidding. That red spot on its chest isn’t from a broken heart, it’s simply a splash of bright red color in the middle of its white chest that makes it appear like it’s hurt. The redness extends down its belly, making it seem as if blood is running down from the wound.
Sorry to end things on a tragic note, but I figured we could try and cheer this dove up together… by submitting this article to your favorite social media site! *cough stumbleupon cough*
