How do birds keep warm in winter?
Dec 18th, 2007 by Birdy Trish
How do birds survive in winter? They are so small and frail yet they withstand the harshest weather.
On cold winter days birds ‘fluff’ up their feathers to keep warm. This creates air pockets which helps to keep the bird warm.
Some birds perch on one leg. The bird draws the other leg to it’s breast to keep it warm.
To get used to the cold a lot of birds shiver. Shivering changes muscular energy into heat (just for a short time).
Some birds have a special pouch in the throat called a ‘crop’. They need to fill this crop before they roost overnight. They can digest the food overnight and this helps them keep warm and keep their energy levels up to see them through the cold winter nights.
Some birds roost together for warmth.
Birds need energy at the end of the day to see them through the freezing night.
Birds need energy at the beginning of the day to give them strength to survive.
Bird feeding is fun!
Feeding birds helps them survive harsh winter conditions when food is hard to find.
If you are new to feeding and wonder what to put out - offer seeds and water.
