11 Of The Most Bizarre Animal Mating Behaviours In The World

No Penis

The reproductive anatomy of most birds is different from that of most mammals. Instead of having external genitals, many male birds have a cloaca. A cloaca is a three-in-one body structure used to urinate, defecate, and reproduce. When male birds are ready to breed, their cloacas swell and protrude slightly outside of their body, releasing sperm. They gently rub the swollen cloaca on their female partner, whose cloaca is also enlarged. This action allows the sperm to swim into the ovaries and fertilize the female's eggs. For birds, courtship typically lasts longer than the actual act of mating.