Birds do not hibernate. Some do go into a hibernation-like state called a “torpor”. This is not the same as true hibernation as bears do. Bears can hibernate for months, but birds can only fall asleep for a short time before they risk dying. Continue reading, and you will learn the torpor of birds, and they survive in the winter.
Table of Contents
Do Any Bird Species Hibernate?
Although many species of birds can enter a state of torpor, birds do not hibernate. Similar to hibernation, torpor lasts for a shorter amount of time.
One interesting nocturnal bird has the ability to enter a state that is very similar to hibernation. The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), a superbly camouflaged bird of the Caprimulgidae family, can enter a state of torpor lasting several weeks.
These nocturnal birds of the American Southwest can allow their body temperature to fall as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) while in torpor and may spend as much as 90% of the chilly winter days dormant.
Some species from the following bird groups also have the ability to enter torpor:
- Hummingbirds
- Swifts
- Nightjars
- Mousebirds
- Doves
What is Torpor?
In cold climates, some birds resort to torpor as a survival tactic. Birds typically maintain body temperatures between 101 and 111 degrees Fahrenheit, but doing so requires a lot of energy when the outside temperature drops significantly, especially for small birds.
Running out of energy can have fatal repercussions, making it difficult for them to maintain their body temperature. It’s incredible how some birds can drastically lower their body temperature, slow their breathing and heart rate, and even stop breathing altogether in order to conserve energy.
Torpor is different from regular sleep in that it cannot be woken from, so this is already a risky move. It can take some time, and since warming up requires energy, this tactic is better suited to areas where temperatures rise noticeably when the sun rises.
Which Birds Go into Torpor?
Undoubtedly, many different species of birds have been observed dozing off. The goatsuckers (poorwills, nighthawks, and oilbirds) and hummingbirds, on the other hand, are the species best known for their amazing torpor abilities. Because it takes longer for larger species to return to their normal body temperatures, they are less likely to experience true torpor. What other species go into a torpid state, besides goatsuckers and hummingbirds? During the winter months, the Greater Roadrunner of the southwest desert will go into a shallow torpor. Because some of its primary prey—such as lizards and snakes—hibernate, the Greater Roadrunners have less access to these animals. Other tropical bird species, like manakins, use a shallow form of torpor during the cooler rainy season.
Which of these species exhibits the most impressive torpor episodes? I suppose that depends on what you consider to be impressive. For example, in the southernmost portion of its range, the Common Poorwill can go virtually inactive for up to 94% of the winter season. Scientists have recorded body temperatures as low as 41°F (5°C), with an oxygen consumption reduction of over 90%! In a Common Poorwill, 25 consecutive days have reportedly been the longest torpor state recorded.
How Do Birds Survive the Winter?
All wild birds have higher body temperatures than people, though exact temperatures vary between species. Naturally, chilly conditions can make it challenging to maintain those high temperatures, especially for young or weak birds. Fortunately, birds can adapt and rely on their instincts to survive the winter, just like other wildlife.
A clear method by which birds survive the winter is migration. Nevertheless, not all species do it, as you can see by the numerous birds that continue to visit your backyard even after the first snowfall. Here are four other ways birds adapt to the changing conditions of winter:
Feathers
In order to protect themselves from the cold, birds have a natural method. Yes, feathers serve purposes beyond merely being decorative. When the temperature drops, their down feathers offer a ton of extra warmth. In order to be better equipped for the winter, many birds will even grow extra down feathers during the months before it.
Food
A variety of food-related strategies are used by birds to help them survive the winter. As you might have guessed, winter is when natural food sources are most scarce. One strategy used by birds to prepare for this is to store food while it is still warm outside, much like how people might stock up on bread and milk before a major storm (French toast, anyone?).). In order to quickly locate food later, birds like the Black-capped Chickadee are able to recall hundreds of locations where they have previously stored food.
Birds also modify their diets in the winter to adapt. When temperatures start to fall, the majority of birds will choose higher-energy foods like suet and black oil sunflower seeds. The extra energy boost enables birds to produce more body heat to stay warm.
Torpor
Some species of birds enter torpor during the winter months, whereas many animals hibernate. Birds can reduce their body temperature and heart rate during this state that resembles hibernation in order to preserve body heat. They can endure the chilly winter months by doing this, similar to hibernating. They may be more susceptible to predators and other dangers due to slower reaction times, though, in this seemingly lifeless state.
Preening
In cold climates, damp feathers can be disastrous. But how do birds stay dry during the rainy winter? Birds’ oil glands hold the key to the problem. They preen to apply this oil to their feathers, waterproofing and insulating their down feathers. Additionally, it’s common to observe birds fluffing their feathers to form air pockets that trap body heat and keep them warm.
How Do Birds Drink Water in the Winter?
In the winter, birds may have a difficult time staying hydrated. Birds must contend with frozen water sources when the temperature drops as if keeping warm and finding enough food weren’t challenging enough.
During the winter, birds use a variety of cunning techniques to drink water. Ice, snow, and even falling snowflakes will be absorbed by them! They will consume the icicle droplets that fall when it is warm enough. Although this is typically insufficient to keep birds properly hydrated, birds can also obtain some of the water they require from their food.
Do Birds Shiver?
Much like humans and other mammals, birds shiver to stay warm. But they use a slightly different approach. Birds produce heat by contracting opposite muscle groups.
Do Birds Freeze to Death?
A bird could definitely die from hypothermia if it cannot find enough food or protection from the cold weather. It could also be the result of unusually chilly or stormy weather, or it could happen to elderly, ill, or injured people.
Pet birds that are adapted to live in warm climates are also susceptible to suffering in cold weather. In order to stay warm, they will engage in behavioral strategies like puffing out their feathers, but they lack the adaptations that native birds have for enduring cold temperatures.
How Can I Help the Birds in Winter?
Around the world, feeding birds is a very common pastime that both humans and birds take great pleasure in. Birds, of course, do not actually require any assistance to survive, and they have done so for millions of years without any kind of help at all. It goes without saying that birds will welcome your assistance.
By giving birds food sources high in energy, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet, you can aid birds during the winter. Keep in mind that using only fresh food and keeping those feeders clean will help prevent the spread of disease. If you keep a supply of fresh, unfrozen water on hand, the birds will be able to drink from it and take baths when all the other water has frozen. Just remember to clean your bird bath frequently.
Another great way to support birds during the chilly months is to grow native plant species that bear fruits and berries. Birds will have places to hide from snow and chilly winds in a well-planted yard with some evergreen trees and bushes.
FAQs About Bird Hibernation
Do Lovebirds Hibernate?
Lovebirds are native to subtropical Africa, where the winters are mild to warm. They don’t hibernate.
Do Pet Birds Hibernate?
The types of birds that are frequently kept as pets don’t hibernate. Tropical, subtropical, and generally mild climates are where the majority of pet birds are native. If you have cold winters, it’s important to keep them in a warm environment.
Do Hummingbirds Hibernate?
Even though hummingbirds don’t hibernate, they are renowned for being able to go into a state of torpor in order to survive chilly nights. Hummingbirds allow their body temperatures to fall to levels close to ambient temperatures in this state, and their breathing and heart rates also significantly slow down.
Conclusion on Birds Hibernate
Birds do not typically hibernate, in contrast to reptiles, their closest relatives, because they can overwinter in warmer climates with access to food thanks to their excellent mode of transportation. The common poorwill, a nightjar species found in North America, is the only bird species known to completely hibernate.