Migration watch: Monarch butterflies have landed in Illinois
This season, we’re tracking migrations, announcing when various species reach significant milestones on their journey north.
Save yourself from heartbreak: Check your yard for rabbit nests before mowing
It’s a good idea to check your yard for rabbit nests before you cut the grass. These nests frequently resemble little patches of dead grass, but the babies are exposed to lawnmowers because they are only a little bit below the surface.
Some people are able to sleep with one eye open because they have half of their brains awake and the other half asleep. This type of sleep is known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS), and it enables the dozing bird to adequately rest in the absence of a threat while still being able to act swiftly when one does. Waterfowl and ducks are especially skilled at this, though other birds like Eurasian Blackbirds and Peregrine Falcons can also do it. It’s possible that animals with this adaptation can even fall asleep while in the air!
Actually, it’s quite warm for the snoozing bird. Heat is retained by down feathers, the short, fluffy feathers beneath the sleek outer feathers. As the temperature drops for the night, the bird’s exposed parts—its legs and beak—are tucked in under a thick layer of feathers to stay warm.
Migrating birds may also rely on USWS to rest. The long migration flights of many species don’t allow for many chances to stop and rest. But a bird using USWS could both sleep and navigate at the same time. There is evidence that the Alpine Swift can fly non-stop for 200 days, sleeping while in flight!
Not all birds sleep on branches however. Waterfowl and shorebirds sleep near the water. Ducks, like birds perched on perches, frequently stand at the edge of the water or on a partially submerged stick or rock and tuck one foot into their body. Birds settle down for a nap wherever they can find firm ground. There are records of Chimney Swifts dozing off while clinging to chimney interiors!
The likelihood of roosting birds falling from their perch is actually extremely low. The muscles in the bird’s legs cause the tendons in its feet to tighten when it bears weight, which keeps the foot closed. In order to prevent the bird from slipping off, this gives it a vice-like grip around any branch it may be resting on.
FAQ
How often should birds nap?
Do birds rest in the afternoon?
How do birds nap?
Which bird sleep during day time?