When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?

On rainy days, birds need to find shelter to protect their feathers from getting wet. Different species of birds choose to hide in different places.

Birds are very unique creatures in nature, including: raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, climbing birds, wading birds and others.

Some birds choose to accompany humans and congregate near human buildings. So some people wonder, for example, if birds are tired, they return to their nests to rest, so where do they go when it rains?

Picture 1 of When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?
Birds are genetically designed to adapt to changing weather conditions. Bird feathers repel water. By instinct, they flatten their feathers more as the rain gets heavier. However, some birds choose to keep their feathers dry and seek shelter when it rains.

The role of bird nests

In fact, the above opinions are just taken for granted by humans. Bird nests only have one main function, which is to serve the reproductive process, and they usually do not rest in bird nests, let alone take shelter from the rain in bird nests.

A bird's nest is a structure used by many different species of birds, usually made of twigs, grass, bark, leaves, feathers and other materials, with different shapes and materials. Most birds will build their nests on tree branches, tall trees, rocks, human buildings, etc. to ensure the safety of their young.

Picture 2 of When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?
A bird's nest is a structure used by many different species of birds.

The shape and size of the nest depends on the needs and species characteristics of the different birds. For example, eagles and vultures need larger nests to match their size, while sparrows and swallows prefer to build their nests in relatively small places such as tree cavities and eaves.

The nest can protect the eggs and chicks in the nest from predators and the outside environment.

Bird nesting is an instinctive behavior that is of great significance to the survival and reproduction of birds. Bird nests not only keep eggs and chicks safe, but also help regulate the temperature and humidity of the chicks.

Additionally, bird nests can also serve as a habitat for birds, providing them with a place to live and breed. For young birds that cannot fly yet, nests are essential habitats.

Picture 3 of When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?
 Bird nests can also serve as a living space for birds.

Do birds really rest in nests?

While bird nests can provide protection for their young, not all birds nest . For example, raptors such as eagles and vultures often do not sleep in nests, choosing to sleep in trees or on cliff overhangs to better observe their surroundings.

For birds that need to rest in the nest, it is because the nest has eggs or baby birds so they will rest and sleep in the nest.

Baby birds need to have their nest temperature and humidity regulated, so most baby birds will rest in the nest. For adult birds, whether or not they rest in the nest often depends on the environment and the bird's behavior.

Picture 4 of When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?
Baby birds need to regulate temperature and humidity in the nest, so most of them stay in the nest.

Where do birds fly to avoid the rain?

Bird nesting behavior is related to their search for shelter from the rain as they search for habitat. On rainy days, birds need to find shelter to protect their feathers from getting wet. Different bird species choose to hide in different places.

Most small birds will take shelter in leaves and grass . Leaves and grass provide good shelter and can effectively prevent rainwater from falling directly on the birds.

Species such as swallows and woodpeckers often choose to take shelter from the rain in tree cavities and caves . Tree cavities and caves provide excellent protection, keeping them dry from the rain and protecting the birds from predators.

Birds in cities will choose to shelter from the rain under the shelter of buildings . Places like eaves and walkways of buildings often provide good shade to keep birds dry.

Picture 5 of When it rains, where do the birds take shelter?
Waterfowl and other water birds are more accustomed to wet conditions than other species. Ducks, geese, herons, sandpipers, and other shorebirds will often seek shelter from the rain. These birds often seek shelter when conditions become harsh. These waterfowl will seek out areas and structures with lots of brush for shelter.

Some birds that live near water will take shelter from rain on aquatic plants . Aquatic plants allow birds to congregate and avoid direct rain falling on them.

There are also birds that choose to directly catch the rain, their feathers can secrete oil so that they can dry quickly after being caught in the rain, such as kingfishers.

Bird nests are places where birds live and breed, and can provide birds with a safe, warm and dry living environment. Birds do not necessarily rest in their nests, but choose different resting places according to different environments and habits. Accordingly, birds' rain avoidance behavior is also affected by species and environment .