Birds Sleeping in Winter
Winter temperatures can plummet to below zero, and leaves lose their leafy protection from the wind. Where do the birds stay warm?
First, many birds head south once winter hits. Hummingbirds can be found in much of the US during the summer, but as soon as fall hits they high-tail it south to Mexico to vacation. Only the more hearty birds stay in the colder areas to weather out the snows and winds.
Those birds are well adapted to winter weather. They build very snug nests in the summer, fortifying it over time to make it strong enough to withstand winter winds. Nests might be in protected crooks of tree branches, under the rooves of houses, or inside hollow trees. Birdhouses that humans put up help out greatly too, of course.
Birds have a very high metabolism which keeps warm blood pumping through their system. As soon as night starts to fall, they head back to their chosen spot. Chickadees often hang out in pine trees in group, sharing warmth and staying close to the trunk where the wind is shielded. If they find a hollow tree, they might pack quite a number of themselves in the hole to stay warm.
Other birds form huge group roosts. Crows, for example, will fly for miles to gather in large groups, helping to share warmth and keep the wind off of each other.
If you'd like to help your bird friends stay snug this winter, put out birdhouses that are sheltered from the wind. Also, put out small strips of cloth and other nesting material. You'll find that your feathered friends appreciate your efforts!
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