Birds' Cooling Mechanisms
During the record-breaking late June heatwave, while humans sweltered, birds relied on evolved strategies to avoid overheating. Unlike humans, birds cannot sweat. Instead, they seek shade beneath trees, bushes, and hedgerows, spread their wings to circulate cooler air, and open their bills to pant, similar to dogs. They also pump blood into bare parts like bills, legs, and feet to disperse body heat.
Bathing and Predation Risks
Birds cool off by bathing in natural water sources such as ponds and streams, or in provided bird baths. However, gathering at water sources makes them more vulnerable to predators like sparrowhawks and cats. At this time of year, long daylight hours allow birds to rest during the day and feed in the cooler dawn and dusk periods.
Stress and Food Scarcity
Despite these adaptations, prolonged hot weather can still stress birds. Practical issues arise: ground-feeding birds such as blackbirds and thrushes find it harder to locate food because invertebrates like earthworms become difficult to find in hard-baked earth. According to the article, these challenges highlight the broader impact of heatwaves on wildlife.
