Birds are warm-blooded animals that have a much higher metabolism, and thus higher body temperature, than humans. While the exact measurement varies for different bird species, the average bird’s body temperature is 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Body temperature can fluctuate during the day depending on climate and activity, but it can be a challenge for birds to maintain such a high body heat when temperatures dip too severely. Smaller birds are particularly at risk, since they have a proportionally larger surface area on their bodies to lose heat but a smaller core volume to generate it.

Birds have many physical and behavioral adaptations to keep warm, no matter what the low temperatures of their surroundings. I always empathize with anyone or thing suffering from cold feet. However, birds’ legs and feet are covered with specialized scales that minimize heat loss. Birds can also control the temperature of their legs and feet separately from their bodies by constricting blood flow to their extremities, thereby reducing heat loss even further. ~ About.com

To read about more adaptations birds have for keeping warm during cold weather click HERE

To see more of our images of perching birds click HERE



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