most bird species are socially monogamous, usually for one breeding season at a time, sometimes for years, but rarely for life. other species are polygynous (one male with many females) or, rarely, polyandrous (one female with many males). birds produce offspring by laying eggs which are fertilised by sexual reproduction. they are often laid in a nest and incubated by the parents. most birds have an extended period of parental care after hatching. some birds, such as hens, lay eggs even when not fertilised, though unfertilised eggs do not produce offspring.