Brrrrrr! It’s a freezing day here in Wonderopolis. Is it chilly where you are? Take a look outside. Maybe you can see snow covering the ground or people passing by in thick coats. Can you spot any animals? You might come across a squirrel or a deer. Perhaps you can even find a bird!
During winter, many birds migrate to warmer regions. However, some choose to stay where they are. How do these birds manage to survive the freezing winters? You won’t see any of them wearing jackets. There are no heaters or blankets hanging from the trees. So how do they do it?
Birds have various ways of adapting to life during the coldest months. They struggle in cold weather because their body temperatures are higher than those of humans. Although the exact body temperature varies among species, birds tend to have a temperature around 105º F. Therefore, it is challenging for birds to maintain this high body temperature in colder weather.
The feathers that cover birds serve a greater purpose than just beauty. They provide warmth and insulation against the cold temperatures. Many birds grow extra feathers in the months leading up to colder weather. This helps them stay warm when the temperatures drop.
Some birds also have an oily coating on their feathers. This adds to their insulation and also makes their feathers waterproof. Birds can also fluff up their feathers to create air pockets, which provide additional warmth.
As the colder weather approaches, birds often increase their fat intake. Having increased fat reserves can provide even the smallest birds with extra energy, helping 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 basking in the sun with their backs towards the bright rays. Even in cold weather, the sun can heat a bird’s skin and feathers when they are sunning. On extremely cold days, you may observe birds shivering. Shivering serves the same purpose as when humans shiver—it helps increase their body temperature.
In winter, you may also notice smaller birds of the same species gathering together. When large flocks of birds huddle closely together, they all benefit from sharing body heat.
Other birds may enter a hibernation-like state known as torpor. During torpor, birds lower their body temperatures to conserve body heat. This helps them survive the cold, but it also makes them more vulnerable to predators. Their reaction times tend to be slower in torpor.
When you see a bird during winter, don’t worry! Just because it didn’t migrate 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 Shot
Do you have any feathered pals you’d like to assist when the winter weather arrives? No, you don’t have to invite birds to sleep in your closet or under your bed. However, there are simple ways you can aid them in surviving the next freezing period! Here are a few suggestions for activities that you can experiment with alongside a friend or family member:
- Feed them! Bird feeders come in various shapes and sizes. A trip to a local store will also reveal the wide variety of bird food available. During cold winters, offer foods that are rich in fat and calories to help your backyard buddies generate ample body heat. Check out How To Make Homemade Bird Food online for more inspiration! Be sure to have an adult friend or family member assist you. They can help you find the perfect spot to leave food for your new bird pals.
- Provide water! Water can be scarce during cold winters because it often freezes. Offering birds liquid water to drink throughout the winter can help them not only survive but also thrive! Feeling a bit crafty? Create your own bird bath. Trust us, the birds in your area will be grateful.
- Offer them a home! You can purchase or construct birdhouses to place in your backyard, providing local birds with shelter during the winter. However, birdhouses are not the only form of shelter you can provide. Planting evergreen shrubs and trees can also offer necessary refuge to birds during the coldest months. Some birds may also seek shelter in brush piles, so keep your feathered friends in mind when disposing of branches and other organic materials.
Sources of Wonder
- 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 extreme cold temperatures during winter?
Birds have several adaptations that help them survive the coldest winters. One key adaptation is their ability to fluff up their feathers, which creates an insulating layer of air. This helps to keep them warm. Birds also have a high metabolic rate, which means they burn energy at a faster rate. This helps to generate body heat. Some birds also have the ability to lower their body temperature during the night, conserving energy. Additionally, birds rely on food sources such as berries, seeds, and insects, which are available even during winter. They may also migrate to warmer regions if the cold becomes too extreme.
2. How do birds find shelter during winter?
Birds find shelter during winter in various ways. Many birds seek out dense vegetation, such as evergreen trees and shrubs, which provide protection from the wind and snow. Tree cavities and birdhouses also offer shelter for some species. Some birds, like owls, find shelter in tree hollows or abandoned nests. Others may roost together in large groups, such as crows or pigeons, to share body heat. Some birds even burrow into the snow to create a cozy shelter.
3. How do birds find enough food during winter?
During winter, finding food can be challenging for birds. However, they have various strategies to ensure they have enough to eat. Many birds rely on stored food sources, such as nuts, seeds, and berries, which they have cached throughout the year. Some species also have specialized beaks that allow them to extract insects from tree bark or break open seeds. Birds may also scavenge for food in urban areas, where they can find discarded scraps or bird feeders. Additionally, some birds migrate to warmer regions where food is more abundant during the winter months.
4. How do birds keep their feet warm in cold weather?
Birds have a few strategies to keep their feet warm in cold weather. First, they have a network of arteries and veins in their legs that helps to regulate blood flow. This helps to minimize heat loss and keep their feet warm. Birds may also tuck one foot up into their feathers, keeping it warm against their body. Some species, like ducks and geese, have a special adaptation called a counter-current heat exchange system. This system allows warm blood from their core to transfer heat to the cold blood returning from their feet, keeping them from freezing.
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