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UNIQUENESS OF BIRDS

  On the hot summer's day, it’s easy for people to retreat to cool air-conditioned buildings in order to avoid the heat.

   Birds do not have sweat glands like humans have. As a result, they have a number of physical modifications that help them stay cool. Birds naturally operate at a body temperature that is higher than most animals (40° C) which means that they do not feel the warmth as badly as we do with our lower body temperature (37°C).

   They also have rapid respiration rates, which allows for heat to be carried out of the body through the lungs. Birds have bare skin patches on their legs, face and feet for even more heat loss compared to if these areas were covered with feathers.

   Some birds can even make their bare patches swell in order to increase their surface area which helps them cool off even faster. Some birds use is opening up their wings and spreading their feathers.

   While birds have many ways of regulating their temperature, bird lovers can also help their feathered friends stay cool. Birds like to splash around in shallow water, just like we do! Preparing a birdbath that has 1 to 2 inches of clean, freshwater is a great way of providing birds with a safe space to cool their heels and get a drink.

   Shade is also very important and temperatures can be much more cooler under bushes and trees. Planting native tree and shrub species can provide shade and shelter from the sun and can also function as a natural food source for backyard birds.


Credits: Sabitha


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