Keith, it will be interesting to see what the experts say on this. I always thought that it was the male's way of showing off to attract a mate or interest her in a nestbox he took a liking to.

I've only seen it once and the male was quite taken with himself and seemed to put on a one-bird show. If the female was nearby, I didn't see her in the trees.

Linda

I thought it was courtship behavior. I saw alot of it not too long ago when my male was mia and then he or some other male returned. It has slowed down now though. Some people say they see it all through egg laying. I hadn't noticed it before with the pairs here except for last year when in October I noticed the Daddy blue disappeared, I believe he was an very old male due to his very dull coloring. A new male showed up and there was lots of wing waving however at that time the female did not seem interested in this new male at all. But then again she was probably just thinking about the long flight she would have to warmer areas than here in WI. LOL!

Donna

Linda and Donna
I think you might be right about the courtship behavior. The recent pair of bluebirds fledged out their babies Saturday, I don't know if that pair of bluebirds stayed together, hard to keep track of them coming and going, maybe they broke up, maybe the female has run off with another better looking male stud. So maybe their is a new matchmaking going on, I know there is several other pairs of BB's in the area. To add on to this discussion the last female laid 3 eggs, missed a day and then laid two more. But only 3 hatched, if there is an attempt to remate it might have something to do with the two unhatched eggs.
Keith
p.s.--one last thing do you remember if it was their left wing or right wing, in the case I saw it was their left wing.

From the flip side of watching the whole thing through the binocs, it was the left side. Gee, wonder if this is significant? I was feeling sort of sorry for this poor guy, he was trying so hard but the last time I checked, there were two eggs-must have worked.

Will check this weekend to see how well it really paid off.

Linda

Although it certainly seems more prevelent during mating season, I have seen it during the winter too and I personally think it is broader than courtship and is a way they comunicate generally. Of course, they do have a lot more to communicate about during mating season.

My pair do it a lot. Both of them. Sorta the way arm and hand signals are used in combat. And I have seen them use both their left and right wings.

Here are a few recent shots. I have many, many more.

Dave

Geezzz Dave, your pictures are stunning as usual! My male bluebird will wing-wave when I put out mealworms. He will fly to the deck and call and wing-wave. Soon after that mom blue and the babies show up. I think they use their wings to communicate as well. I just assume that when he is wing-waving it indicates the crazy lady put out worms and it's safe to come and eat.

Hey bluebirdbabe maybe it's their secret way of communicating to each other with out making any sound. Don't want the other birds to know about the meal worms you are putting out.
Keith

I have seen my male do it a LOT, especially when he is calling his wife!
One day he thought she had left him I guess and he was frantic, he was flying all over the yard and calling for her Every time he perched he did that wave, seems mostly with the left wing/
I just thought that was his way of calling her, she did show up and he was SOOOOO happy!

Our experiences have been much like what Dave described. (Beautiful images of course Dave :)

We see it in both adults. Especially during house-hunting, nestbuilding, and in courtship rituals. Some of these waving phases surround the most marvelous behaviors. I have a photo series (all-day session) of Missy and Mr.B falling in love AGAIN! As they make their sweet pact to build a 3rd nest in that same old sweet and clean NAB box... together.

I must find time to post some narrated photos to share that lovely ballet.

Kenn :)

I'll throw my hat in the ring with Dave too. My pair both wing wave at times and may use either wing. It is really prevalent when they are trying to attract their young to the meal worm feeder and both of mine wing wave during courtship. I get the feeling it is a "hey, come over here" communication within the family or, of course, when wanting to start a family.
Dean

That is my favorite series Dave. The one of papa blue just before the female shots was absolutely amazing. He looks like a little gladiator, so serious. My blues do it all the time too. Especially when i check their nestbox and add the spooker or put out mealworms! LOL...Your photos touch my heart, thank you.
Bonnie