For example, certain species of thrush take hundreds of naps during the day as they do not sleep at night during migration. Migrating birds often take additional naps. Naps are also common when the weather is too poor for the birds to search for food. Birds typically nap after a long flight or foraging for food. ![]() They awake when the sun rises.īirds also take naps. As the sun sets, they look for a place to perch and sleep for the night. Songbirds and waterfowl are typically diurnal, which means that they sleep at night. Nocturnal birds, such as owls and nighthawks, sleep through the day and hunt for food at night. Most species of birds are either diurnal or nocturnal. On average, birds sleep 10 to 12 hours per day. Birds May Spend Half Their Lives Sleeping They remain close to their feeding spots but may choose a different branch or tree each night. However, birds tend to stay within a relatively small area. Most birds sleep in different places each night instead of perching on the same branch or structure. Birds Find a Different Place to Sleep Each Night As with land birds, ducks may tuck one foot up and perch on the branch or rock. An approaching predator creates vibrations in the water, which wake up the bird.ĭucks often find a partially submerged branch or rock to stand on. Sleeping on the water protects against predators. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, sleep on the water or near the edge of the water. The contraction causes the tendons in the feet to tighten, which creates a vice-like grip on the branch or structure. The muscles in the bird’s legs contract after perching. They typically look for branches with lots of leaves for cover from predators and the elements.Īlong with branches, land birds may perch on the ledges of buildings, inside tree cavities, and any other area that provides adequate protection.īirds are unlikely to fall from their perch. Songbirds, hummingbirds, and other diurnal species of land birds sleep on tree branches. Land birds and waterfowl sleep in tree cavities and manmade structures for protection during harsh conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, or snow. They may cuddle together in trees and shrubs and share their body heat. This is more common in tree swallows and other small birds. Some species of birds huddle together to stay warm. Small birds, such as cardinals, tuck themselves tightly to minimize heat loss. The feathers shield the body as temperatures drop during the night. The down feathers are short and fluffy while the outer feathers are sleek. The beak and legs are the parts of the bird not covered in soft down feathers.īirds have down feathers under the outer feathers. Tucking the beak and legs helps keep the bird warm as they sleep. Some birds keep both legs perched on a branch or other structure. Birds that sleep lying down tuck their legs under their belly. ![]() ![]() The bird then turns its head to face its rear and tucks the beak down into the feathers.īirds that stand while sleeping pull one leg up to the belly. Birds Sleep with Their Beaks Tucked inĪ bird spends a few moments fluffing its feathers after choosing a sleeping spot. Scientists have identified close to 10,000 species of birds. Yet, the sleeping habits of birds vary from one species to the next. Some birds sleep standing up while others lie down. They fluff their feathers to cover their body and tuck their beaks into their back feathers. Most species of birds sleep on branches or inside tree cavities. Small land birds may wake you as they chirp outside your window.īirds are early risers but get up to 12 hours of sleep per day. ![]() The sound of birds chirping often signals the start of a new day.
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