These two Ospreys are in the process of mating via a cloacal kiss. Birds reproduce by touching their cloacae or vents together, in some species for only a few seconds, sufficient time for sperm to be transferred from the male to the female. The male mounts the female from behind, balancing on her back. Not all birds use the cloacal kiss, for example, waterfowl do not use the cloaca for reproduction, but have a phallus. The cloaca or vent in Ospreys serves as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive and urinary tracts.
From the first photo to next-to-last photo, where the two Ospreys are apart, about 4 minutes. During this time the Ospreys did the cloacal kiss several times.
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