Ever wonder how small birds survive frigid winter nights or snow storms when the temperature dips down into the teens and below? Let’s look at the options these birds have to stay warm.
Ever wonder how small birds survive frigid winter nights or snow storms when the temperature dips down into the teens and below?
Let’s look at the options these birds have to stay warm:
- First, they are warm-blooded, which means their bodies keep a fairly constant temperature no matter the temperature around them. For a lot of birds, this is around 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
- They waterproof their feathers with an oil gland near their tail which keeps them dry. Being dry is warmer than being wet.
- They are active. Just like us, the more they exercise the warmer they are.
- They puff up like a beach ball. They use their feathers for insulation. This traps pockets of air around their bodies so they stay warmer.
- They shiver which helps warm them up.
- Some huddle together, conserving body heat.
- Some put on fat – up to 10% of their body weight – and seek out fatty food sources.
- Some slow down their metabolic rate to conserve energy.
- Some keep warm blood near vital organs while extremities are cooler.
- Their internal temperature drops as much as 22 degrees at night to conserve energy.
- They hide in cavities, nest boxes, and dense brush at night or during a storm to stay warmer.
Let’s check out chickadees for example:
Black-capped chickadees only weigh about half an ounce, but they can keep a body temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the air is 0 degrees! How do they do this? Using some of the techniques above:
- They puff up their feathers to insulate against the cold.
- They remain very active.
- Believe it or not, they remember where they store their food so they can access it for energy!
- They eat 35% of their body weight every day. This gives them energy to stay warm.
- They can drop their internal temperature up to 22 degrees at night. This conserves energy.
What can you do to help them?
- Provide high-energy foods like suet, peanuts and black oil sunflower seeds. Make sure to continue supplying the food all winter, because once you start the birds may become dependent on it.
- Trees and shrubs with fruit provide a food source.
- Water is also a need that birds have, so a bird bath can help provide water. It should be kept clean.
- Shelter is helpful.
- Evergreens provide good shelter. Put out your Christmas tree when you take it down.
- Leave dead trees to provide cavities for some birds.
- Roost boxes can help keep birds warm.
Birds that stay around for the winter are adapted to deal with the winter conditions in the Northeast. You can enjoy watching them while providing the food, water and shelter they need.
Information for this blog came from the Audobon Society.
