Backyard Birds Are Already Pairing Up: Signs of Spring to Watch for in February

If your backyard suddenly sounds louder lately, you’re not imagining it. Even in late February, many of our resident birds are already pairing up, defending territory, and preparing for nesting season. While it may still feel like winter to us, longer daylight hours are enough to trigger some very spring-like behaviour in the bird world.

For backyard bird watchers across Ontario, this is one of the most exciting transitions of the year AND one of the most important times to keep feeders full.

Northern Cardinal. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Why birds start pairing up before spring

Birds don’t wait for warm weather to begin nesting season. Instead, they respond to increasing daylight. As days slowly lengthen after the winter solstice, hormones shift and birds begin:

• Singing more

• Claiming territory

• Forming or strengthening pair bonds

• Scouting nesting sites

By the time snow is melting in March, many species are already well into the early stages of breeding.

This means late winter is a crucial time for energy, especially for resident birds that have stayed through the cold.

Signs birds are pairing up in your backyard

More singing (especially in the morning)

Cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches often ramp up their vocal activity in February. Singing isn’t just cheerful — it’s territorial and part of attracting a mate.

You may notice:

• Male cardinals singing from high perches

• Chickadees calling more frequently

• Duets or back-and-forth calls between pairs

Cardinals feeding each other. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. 

Birds feeding each other

One of the sweetest behaviours to watch for is courtship feeding. A male bird may offer seed or suet to a female as part of bonding. This is common with cardinals and some woodpeckers and can often be spotted right at the feeder.

Territorial behaviour

You might see birds chasing others away from “their” feeder or favourite perch. What looks like squabbling is often territory being established ahead of nesting.

Chickadees eating suet cylinder. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Nest scouting

While most nests won’t be built for a few weeks yet, many species are already investigating cavities and safe spots. Chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers begin this process early.

If you have nest boxes up, you may see birds checking them out right now.

Red-breasted nuthatch in nest box. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Why feeding birds now matters more than ever

Late winter is one of the most energy-intensive times of year for backyard birds. They’re:

• Recovering from winter

• Preparing for egg production

• Defending territory

• Beginning courtship

Natural food sources are still limited, so feeders provide essential support.

High-energy foods help birds:

• Maintain body condition

• Produce eggs

• Successfully raise young

Keeping feeders stocked now directly supports the birds you’ll enjoy all spring and summer.

What to offer during pairing season

Black oil sunflower & seed blends
A staple for chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, and finches. These provide the fat and protein birds need as nesting season approaches.

Suet
Still incredibly important in late winter. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees rely on suet for quick energy.

Peanuts & mealworms
Great protein sources that support courtship and egg production.

Fresh water
If you have a heated bird bath, this becomes a major draw as birds prepare for nesting.

A small seasonal shift you can watch unfold

One of the joys of backyard bird feeding is noticing these subtle seasonal changes. The landscape may still look wintry, but in the trees and at the feeders, spring is already beginning.

Over the next few weeks you may see:

• Strong pair bonds forming

• Increased feeder visits

• More vocal mornings

• Early nest activity

By early spring, the birds you’re feeding now will be nesting nearby — and possibly raising their young right in your neighbourhood.

Keep feeders up and enjoy the show

If you’ve been wondering whether to take feeders down soon, this is actually the time to keep them well stocked. Supporting birds through late winter helps set them up for a successful breeding season and keeps your yard lively as we transition into spring.

Take a moment on a mild February morning to listen.
That extra singing?
Those birds chasing each other through the trees?

Spring may feel far away, but for backyard birds, it’s already begun.

Enjoy the view!

Warmly, 

Heather