Sunbathing and Birds

Sunbathing and Birds

Birds sometimes exhibit a behavior called sunning, which is the act of spreading out in full sunshine, exposing plumage and skin to direct sunlight. Many species exhibit this behavior especially during hot summer months when sunlight is at full exposure. At first, this behavior may look odd to the average birder, but there are many reasons why birds do this.

One example is this photo I captured on Corkscrew's boardwalk, where I observed a Carolina Wren sunning out in the open in the middle of the boardwalk. It is seen spreading and stretching its wings, spreading its tail, and fluffing its feathers on its head and back, exposing its skin. One benefit of this is during colder months, it uses solar radiation to maintain body temperature without exerting as much energy from food. Another benefit is that sunning can help birds convert compounds in their preen oil from a gland at the base of their tail into vitamin D. The most important benefit of this behavior is to maintain feather health. Parasites that are inhabiting the birds feathers will be dislodged when exposed to sunlight, making it easier for birds to remove those parasites when they are preening.

When you see a bird sunning for the first time, you may think it is either injured or sick, but with careful observation, it becomes clear that the bird is actually sunning in order to maintain health. It is also important to try to avoid spooking the bird while its in the middle of this behavior so it doesn't get interrupted during this important behavior.

-Brian, Research Intern