Have you ever noticed your pet or a wild bird puff up? Why do they do this? Well, the main reason birds fluff up is to regulate their heat.
Why do Birds Puff Up?
Apart from looking even more adorable, there are a few practical reasons why you may see birds puffed up while bird watching.
Regulate their temperature
By puffing up they can expose more of their skin to the air which keeps them cool in the hot heat. Their feathers are what keeps them warm. By fluffing up when they are cold, air is trapped and warmed by their body heat which keeps them warmer.
This is similar to when we use blankets the blanket keeps in all the warmth from our bodies which then keeps us warm. Instead of the birds losing their heat they lock it in by fluffing up.
It works both ways!
In the summertime, they can puff up to release their heat and cool down as well. By opening up their feathers the bird’s body is exposed to the air. Cool breezes and outside air can carry the heat away from them cooling them down!
It is not all for looks! Yes, when birds are all puffed up they may look cute, but they are regulating their temperatures.
This has allowed birds to live in all types of climates from the sweltering heat of the desert. To the cold mountains, birds have learned to puff up to protect themselves from the climate.
This may explain why you may see birds puffed up in the mornings before the sun comes up. They are trying to stay warm before the sun warms them up.
So, hopefully, when you are out in the field birding on an especially cold day or in the morning look around. You may see birds perched up high puffed up trying to stay warm.
These make for especially great photos, so if you are lucky enough to see them make sure to take a photo or make note of it in your journal!
Appear Bigger
Another reason why birds may puff up is to appear bigger than they are. In nature, everything is out to get you.
The birds know this, so if a predator is incoming they may puff up to appear bigger to scare whatever it is away.
This can vary in success as a fox won’t be afraid of a puffed-up robin. But if a snake is attacking a bird’s chicks it may fluff up while attacking it to make the predator more afraid.
Most birds are very territorial such as the cardinal. They become especially aggressive when another bird comes near their nest or area.
Many birds will puff up to appear bigger and stronger to prevent other birds from coming and taking their nest or perch. Often it is used as an initial “hey back off” before a fight breaks out.
Birds will also fight over mates, but we will get to that later on!
Mating
We all know birds have some pretty crazy and interesting ways to win mates. From peacock’s impressive feathers to the Black-Footed Albatrosses’ elaborate dance.
There are many ways that birds win over their mates.
Often birds will puff up their feathers to look bigger and impress their mates. This is commonly seen in birds. They will spread out their wings and puff up their feathers to look bigger and more attractive for a female mate.
Males will fluff up their feathers as part of their mating dance. This is often fairly elaborate, and being able to fluff their feathers definitely can help court the proper mate.
By fluffing up their feathers they can show their true beauty of themselves to the female mate. This is often the winning move that gets the girl. So if you ever see a mating dance look for their puffed-up feathers.
Not only does it look impressive to a mate, but it also is a beautiful sight to see!
Fix their Feathers
Birds are just like us, they get bad hair days as well. Except for them, it isn’t a bad school picture they have to watch out for! If a bird’s feathers aren’t perfect then it may have a hard time getting and staying in the air.
Birds fluff up their feathers to be able to properly groom and fix them. By doing so they can see and fix all the imperfections easier.
This helps them stay looking great for mates, but it is also important to make sure no dirt or grime is stuck in there which could lead to an infection. It also helps them fly better since their feathers are all in the right places.
When birding lookout for birds fixing their feathers, in doing so they will puff up so they can see and fix themselves more easily. It may just look like they are puffing up for the sake of it, but in reality, there is always a reason for everything they do!
If you have a pet bird then this may be why you can see them puff up and groom their feathers, which may seem a bit strange at first if you haven’t seen them do so before!
Have you ever had one strain of hair that just won’t budge, it can be quite annoying. The same goes for birds, if they have a feather out of place they will puff up to fix it more easily.
A quick puff and shake will straighten the feathers and hopefully get rid of the funny feeling for the bird.
Unlucky for them they don’t have access to hair spray for fixing their bad hair days!
Feeling Sick
I know nobody wants to hear about sick birds, how sad! But, this may help you if you are a pet owner.
Another reason why a bird may puff up is due to them getting sick when a bird is sick just like us. They are weaker and get colder more easily.
If it is a nice temperature not too hot or too cold and your bird is puffing up then it may be a sign that your bird is getting sick.
They will puff up to warm up due to their illness making them cold. Try to keep their cage at the right temperature for them. If this doesn’t work and it continues consider seeing a vet to ensure your bird is healthy.
If you see this in nature while you are birding, then don’t worry, there are a few more reasons why a wild bird will puff up, so chances are they aren’t getting sick.
If a wild bird does seem extra lethargic and puffed up try not to provoke it. If it isn’t moving call your local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately.
They may have some ideas of what you can do, and oftentimes they will come out to handle the bird for you and hopefully bring it back to full health again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pet bird fluffing up?
There are many reasons why your pet bird may be fluffing up which can be read above. The main reasons would be to regulate their temperature.
There are a few different behaviors between wild and in captivity birds. So if your bird is puffing up when you are talking to it, it may be a sign your bird is happy you are showing it attention!
Birds are intelligent animals, so if you are talking and dancing with your bird it may puff up as they are excited and want to show their appreciation.
The same can be true if it is scared. If you are scaring your bird then it is common to fluff up out of survival instinct as they don’t want to be messed with or harmed.
Be careful when handling your little feathery friend, you don’t want to show it too much attention and scare it.
You also want to make sure it feels loved and welcome into your home.
Why do Birds Ruffle their Feathers?
Birds will ruffle up their feathers to adjust them, for comfort. They are also known to ruffle up their feathers to keep warm. Ruffling up will trap in warm air which keeps birds warm and comfy!
Why do Parakeets Puff up?
Parakeets puff up to warm up, adjust their feathers, and also scare off intruders. Budgies and parakeets are known to puff up their feathers. There are loads of reasons why they may do this, but those are the main ones!
Bird Puffed up not moving? What does it mean?
If your pet bird is puffed up and not moving then it may mean it is sick. Birds puff up to stay warm and when a bird is sick they get cold just like us. If they are not moving as well then it isn’t a good sign.
I would recommend calling up an expert opinion such as a vet if your bird is displaying this behavior.
James has always been an avid outdoorsman. Since a kid, he kept a journal of all the different birds and species he saw. Now he wants to share his passion with other birders with Happy Birding!