Brrrrrr! It’s freezing here in Wonderopolis. Is it cold where you are? Take a look outside. Perhaps you can see snow on the ground or people bundled up in heavy coats. Can you spot any animals? Maybe you can see a squirrel or a deer. You might even find a bird!
During winter, many birds migrate to warmer areas. However, some birds choose to stay where they are. So, how do these birds manage to survive the extreme cold? They don’t wear jackets like humans, and there are no heaters or blankets in the trees. How do they do it?
Birds have various ways of adapting to the coldest months. They struggle in cold weather because their body temperatures are higher than that of humans. While the exact body temperature varies among different species, birds tend to have a body temperature of around 105ยบ F. Therefore, it’s challenging for birds to maintain this high body temperature in colder weather.
The feathers that cover birds serve more than just for their beauty. They also provide warmth and insulation against the cold temperatures. Many birds grow extra feathers in the months leading up to winter, which helps them stay warm when the temperatures drop.
Some birds also have an oily coating on their feathers. This coating adds to their insulation and makes their feathers waterproof. Additionally, birds can fluff up their feathers to create air pockets, which provide even more warmth.
In preparation for winter, birds often increase their fat intake. Having increased fat reserves helps even the smallest birds have extra energy, which in turn helps them generate more body heat.
Birds can lose a significant amount of heat through their legs and feet. Some birds have special scales on their legs and feet that reduce heat loss. They may also stand on one leg or tuck their legs and feet into their feathers to minimize heat loss.
On sunny days, you will likely see birds sunbathing with their backs towards the sun. Even when it’s cold outside, the sun can heat a bird’s skin and feathers when they are sunning themselves. On very cold days, birds may shiver. This shivering has the same purpose as when humans shiver, which is to increase their body temperature.
In winter, you may also observe smaller birds flocking together. When large flocks of birds huddle closely together, they all benefit from the shared body heat.
Alternatively, some birds enter a hibernation-like state called torpor. During torpor, birds lower their body temperatures to conserve body heat. This helps them survive the cold, but it also makes them more susceptible to predators as their reaction times tend to be slower in torpor.
So, when you see a bird during winter, don’t worry! Just because it didn’t fly south doesn’t mean it isn’t keeping warm. Birds have their own clever ways of protecting themselves from the cold, just like humans do.
Give It a Try
Do you have any feathered companions that you would like to assist when winter arrives? No, you don’t have to let the birds sleep in your closet or under your bed. However, there are some simple ways that you can help them endure the next cold period! Here are a few suggestions for activities that you can experiment with alongside a friend or family member:
- Provide them with food! Bird feeders come in various shapes and sizes. A trip to a local store will also reveal the wide range of bird food options available. During cold winters, offer high-fat and high-calorie foods to help your backyard buddies generate sufficient body heat. For more ideas, check out the online guide “How To Make Homemade Bird Food”! Just make sure an adult friend or family member assists you. They can help you find the perfect spot to leave food for your new bird friends.
- Offer them water! Finding liquid water to drink can be difficult during cold winters because it often freezes. Providing birds with liquid water throughout the winter can help them not only survive, but also thrive! Feeling a little crafty? Build your own bird bath. Trust us, the birds in your area will appreciate it.
- Give them a place to call home! You can purchase or construct birdhouses to place in your backyard, which will provide local birds with shelter during the winter. However, birdhouses are not the only type of shelter you can provide. Planting evergreen shrubs and trees can also offer much-needed shelter to birds during the coldest months. Additionally, some birds will seek shelter in brush piles, so keep your feathered friends in mind when disposing of branches and other organic material.
Additional Resources
- https://www.audubon.org/how-do-birds-cope-cold-winter (accessed 10 Feb. 2021)
- https://www.audubon.org/how-do-birds-cope-cold-winter (accessed 10 Feb. 2021)
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-do-birds-survive-the-winter/ (accessed 10 Feb. 2021)
FAQ
1. How do birds survive the coldest winters?
Birds have several strategies to survive the coldest winters. One common strategy is migration. Many birds fly to warmer areas during the winter where food is more abundant. Some birds, like the Arctic Tern, travel incredible distances to reach their wintering grounds. Other birds, such as the Snowy Owl, find shelter in snowy regions and rely on their thick feathers and fat reserves to stay warm.
2. What do birds eat during the winter?
During the winter, birds have to find alternative food sources since many insects and fruits are not available. They rely on seeds, nuts, and berries that they find in trees and shrubs. Some birds, like woodpeckers, search for insects hidden in tree bark. Others, such as ducks and swans, feed on aquatic plants and small fish found in unfrozen bodies of water.
3. How do birds keep warm in freezing temperatures?
Birds have several adaptations to keep warm in freezing temperatures. Their feathers provide excellent insulation and trap air close to their bodies, acting as a natural barrier against the cold. Birds also have a higher metabolic rate during winter, which helps generate heat. They may also fluff up their feathers to create an extra layer of insulation. Some birds, like chickadees, roost together in small groups to share body heat.
4. How do birds find water in winter?
Finding water in winter can be a challenge for birds, as many water bodies freeze over. However, birds are resourceful and find ways to access water. They may drink from small patches of open water, such as streams or ponds that haven’t completely frozen. Birds also eat snow to obtain moisture. Some species, like the Common Raven, are known to break through ice to reach water below.
5. Do all birds migrate during winter?
No, not all birds migrate during winter. Some bird species are adapted to survive in cold climates year-round and do not need to migrate. These birds have special adaptations, such as thicker feathers and the ability to lower their metabolic rate to conserve energy. Examples of non-migratory birds that can withstand the coldest winters include the Snowy Owl, the Ptarmigan, and the Black-capped Chickadee.
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