The way a bird conserves heat has an influence on the maintenance of body heat. In nocturnal birds, such as owls and nighthawks, the body temperature is higher at night when these birds are most active.

On cold, wintry days, most birds fluff up their feathers, creating air pockets which help keep the birds warm. The more air spaces, the better the insulation. Some birds perch on one leg, drawing the other leg to the breast for warmth.

To keep up their high metabolic rate most backyard birds eat rich, energy foods such as seeds, insects, and suet.

Most songbirds will fill a special storage pouch in the esophagus with food before dark and digest the food overnight. Some birds like whippoorwills, hummingbirds and swifts will become torpid (the birds lower their metabolic rate and lower their body temperatures to conserve energy supplies) overnight.

Shivering is used by almost all birds for short term adjustment to the cold. It is the main way birds increase their heat production while the bird is at rest. Shivering converts muscular energy into heat for the short term and the energy must be replaced soon.

There are some times when birds are not prepared to deal with sudden drops in temperatures or sudden winter storms. At times like these it is especially helpful to have feeders full so that birds can find food easily. Roosting boxes or natural plant covers can also aid birds seeking protection from cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I help the birds during the cold and wet weather?

By providing evergreen trees, shrubs and roosting boxes, you can offer a safe place for birds to escape the elements. During storms birds will frequently seek shelter and a roosting box provides a safe place for birds to retreat.

Q: How do birds keep warm in the winter?

Birds are warm blooded. In general, this means that they maintain their body temperature within a certain range even when the temperature around them changes. The maintenance of body temperature within a normal range depends on the amount of heat the bird produces and the way it conserves heat. In nocturnal birds, such as owls and nighthawks, the body temperature is higher at night when these birds are most active.

On cold, wintry days, most birds fluff up their feathers, creating air pockets that help keep the birds warm. The more air spaces, the better the insulation. Some birds perch on one leg, drawing the other leg to the breast for warmth. Shivering is used by almost all birds for short term adjustment to the cold. It is the main way birds increase their heat production while the bird is at rest. Shivering converts muscular energy into heat for the short term and that energy must be replaced soon.

To keep up their high metabolic rate, most backyard birds eat rich, high energy foods such as seeds, insects and suet. Most songbirds will fill a special storage pouch in the esophagus with food before dark and digest the food overnight. Some birds like whippoorwills, hummingbirds and swifts will become torpid (the birds lower their metabolic rates and body temperatures to conserve energy) overnight.

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