Heather I asked:


I saw some birds sitting on the frozen birdbath yesterday during our first snow of the year, and it made me wonder how birds get water in the winter, and how do they get food? (Not supplied by feeders or people.) I was very curious as I watched these birds as they seemed to be a bit clueless since the weather changed so quickly.
LOUIS

5 Responses to “How do wild birds get food and water in the winter?”

1. curiousaboutit on December 19th, 2009 12:36 pm

   they fly south

2. Din2600 on December 21st, 2009 3:53 am

   “They steal from the ‘haves’. Hehe!

3. cc on December 23rd, 2009 2:27 am

   It will probably take them a while to realize that it is to cold. They will start to starve then finally to choose to fly south for the winter.

4. Jim on December 23rd, 2009 9:51 am

   Yes, sometimes birds get caught behind a winter storm. Just remember the do fly, even small slow birds can fly away from cold weather in to better weather. It is rare to find birds that succumb to cold.

   The majority of birds do not need to drink water. Most birds get what little water they need from their foods.

   Birds that are dependent upon plants to provide food often migrate. Most of the common birds that stay behind it winter will feed upon whatever it can find. The pigeon has adapted to staying in cities in the coldest winters. As long as it can find a place to stay warm and a minimum of calories to consume it will survive. Often birds supplement their usual diet with other things in winter. All they really need is something that has a little protein.

5. margecutter on December 25th, 2009 2:45 am

   It depends on the species. Some, like the Northern Cardinal, survive on the berries that are left on the bushes. Some, like nuthatches and some woodpeckers, have stored seeds under the bark of trees. If the snow is not too deep, the birds can still scratch it away and glean grain from agricultural fields.

   Many birds will eat snow in order to get sufficient water in the winter, when their normal water sources are frozen. Only raptors (birds that hunt and eat other birds or mammals) get their moisture from their food supply.

   Most seed and grain eating birds either migrate, or they get the majority of their food and water from human sources, that is, bird feeders and bird baths.

   Here is some info from

   “The best winter wildlife foods are characterized
   by two qualities: persistence on
   the branch or vine, and low appeal during
   fall. Persistent berries are those that
   remain on the plant long into winter, such
   as hawthorne, hackberry, Russian olive,
   Siberian crab, mountain ash, American
   cranberry, sumac, snowberry and bittersweet.
   Many of these same berries are initially
   unpalatable for wildlife and require freezing
   and thawing before they are desirable.
   Berries that persist into late winter are
   extremely important because they are
   available at a time when other natural (or
   unnatural) food supplies are limited or
   covered by snow. Songbirds and game
   birds alike benefit the greatest from this
   type of natural food source.
   Other plants, which produce acorns or
   nuts, provide a quality food source for
   species like …wild turkeys…
   and wood ducks. These
   plants include bur oak, black walnut, and
   beaked hazel.”

   And tells us:

   “Winter-fruiting, native plants, like winged sumac, hackberry, and highbush cranberry, provide both shelter and a good source of food for wintering birds.
   Like most creatures, birds require three things for winter survival: shelter, food, and water. The simplest of these to supply is water. When natural sources of water are frozen, birds will come to birdbaths not only for drinking but for bathing. Bathing conditions their insulating feathers and, thus, helps to protect these warm-blooded animals from cold.”

   Cornell University reminds us “Birds need a dependable supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing” even in the winter, so they suggest providing a birdbath