It’s warm and dry in your home during a winter storm, but it’s natural to worry about the birds in your backyard. The good news is that even with pelting rain, snow, ice and frigid temperatures, birds’ physiology makes them remarkably resilient to extreme weather events.
Fluffing for Warmth
There’s a reason that birds look bigger during cold weather. David Swanson, a biology professor at the University of South Dakota who has spent 30 years studying how birds handle inclement conditions, says birds assume a heat-conserving posture and fluff their feathers. “It’s similar to goose pimples to form an insulation barrier. It’s almost like putting on a coat,” David says.
Changing Blood Flow
David also notes that birds can readily change their blood flow to control what parts of the body remain warm. “When…
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Birds & Blooms (Digital) - 1 Issue, December/January 2024