As the days got shorter and colder, I said to myself, “What better way to keep warm than by talking about the sun?” I usually take special note of my recent visit to the restaurant’s patio where I sit in the warmth of the sun at lunch with friends. Feeling the warmth of the sun against my skin is a delicious and pleasant feeling and I am glad to know that birds are also known for sunbathing and may do so for fun and relaxation as well.
Ornithologists have observed sunbathing since 1831 when John James Audubon witnessed a great white heron engaging in this activity. Record that the bird will drop its wings as if they were dislocated. Other birders have also attested to the fact that basking birds may appear injured because they are sitting motionless with their wings spread wide or dangling to the ground. Bird watchers caution those who encounter a bird in this condition to make sure to watch the bird carefully before disturbing it as their behavior may not be due to distress or illness.
According to studies of the behavior of this bird, more than 50 families are known to sunbathe. Birds such as titmouses, cormorants, pigeons, sparrows, jays, larks, swallows, and more are said to enjoy sunbathing, or “sunning.” However, different species of birds may bask at different times of the day and for different reasons.
Birds are said to sunbathe while perched on a branch or while on the ground to warm their bodies on cold days, to obtain vitamin D, to help diffuse essential oils along the feathers, and dry off after bathing as wet wings affect the efficiency of turning off the light. Birds also bathe on very hot days and can be seen with open beaks as if panting like our canine friends. However, it is said that the most important reason for sunbathing for birds is to rid themselves of parasites such as feather lice.
Birds can often be seen preening their feathers and must do so in order to maintain their health and appearance which directly affects their ability to find a suitable partner come breeding season. Feather lice are about one millimeter long and made of keratin, the same composition as bird feathers. Removing these pesky parasites is often difficult through preparation alone and sunbathing is thought to help birds protect against parasites. Although not fully understood, some scientific studies have shown that sunbathing can kill lice outright and that higher temperatures may cause the lice to move around making it easier for birds to clean them off.
In short, birds bathe in order to maintain their general well-being. Moreover, understanding the maintenance behavior of our feathered friends can help preserve the environment. Birds that often sunbathe themselves may carry more parasites that may affect not only the well-being of the host but that of those in close contact. Understanding a bird’s behavior and reaction to changes in environmental conditions can provide much-needed insight into ensuring the longevity of specific species around the world.