As the days grew shorter and colder, I thought, “What better way to warm up than by talking about the sun?” I usually make special note of my last visit to the restaurant patio as I sit basking in the warmth of the sun over lunch with friends. The feeling of the warm tendrils of the sun on my skin is such a delightful and pleasurable sensation and I am pleased to know that birds are also known to sunbathe and may do so for enjoyment and relaxation as well.

Ornithologists have observed sunbathing since 1831 when John James Audubon witnessed a great white heron engaging in the activity. He noted that the bird dropped its wings as if they were dislocated. Other bird watchers have also attested to the fact that basking birds can appear injured while sitting motionless with their wings spread or drooping to the ground. Bird watchers advise those who come across a bird in this state to ensure that they carefully observe the bird before disturbing them, as their behavior may not be due to distress or illness.

According to studies carried out on the behavior of this bird, it is known that more than 50 families bask in the sun. Birds such as chickadees, cormorants, doves, finches, jays, larks, swallows and more are said to enjoy basking in the sun or “sunning”. However, different varieties of birds may bask at different times of the day and for different reasons.

Birds are said to bask in the sun while perched on a branch or on the ground to warm their bodies on cold days, to obtain vitamin D, to help spread essential oils along the feathers, and to dry off after sunbathing. bath, as wet wings affect efficiency. light off. The birds also bask in the sun on very hot days and can be seen with their beaks open as if panting like our canine friends. However, it is said that the most important reason why birds sunbathe is to get rid of parasites such as feather lice.

Birds can often be seen preening their feathers and must do so to maintain their health and appearance, which directly affects their ability to find a suitable mate in breeding season. Feather lice are about a millimeter long and are made of keratin, which is the same composition as a bird’s feathers. Elimination of these pesky parasites is often difficult by preening alone and basking in the sun is thought to help birds prevent parasites. Although not fully understood, certain scientific studies have shown that sunbathing can directly kill lice and higher temperatures can cause lice to move, making it easier for birds to preen.

In short, birds bask in the sun to preserve their general well-being. Furthermore, understanding this keeping behavior of our feathered friends could potentially help conservation. Birds that are often found basking may have more parasites, which can not only affect the well-being of the host, but also the well-being of those in close contact. Understanding a bird’s behavior and reaction to changes in environmental conditions could yield much-needed information to ensure the longevity of certain species around the world.