As an ornithologist with a passion for understanding the behavior of our feathered friends, I've spent countless hours observing birds in various weather conditions. When it comes to rain, birds have developed a range of strategies to cope with the wet and chilly conditions.

First and foremost, hypothermia is a significant concern for birds. They maintain body warmth by trapping tiny pockets of air beneath their feathers, which act as an insulating layer. However, when these air pockets are replaced with water, the bird's insulation is compromised, leading to rapid heat loss. To counter this, birds will often seek shelter from the rain. They may take refuge in dense bushes, reed beds, under the eaves of buildings, or within nesting cavities. These locations provide protection from the rain and help maintain their body temperature.

In addition to seeking shelter, birds also have other physiological adaptations to deal with rain. For instance, some birds have oil glands that produce a preen oil. This oil is spread over their feathers during preening, which helps to repel water and keep their feathers dry. Moreover, the structure of their feathers, particularly the contour feathers that form the outer layer, is designed to shed water effectively.

Birds also adjust their behavior during rainy periods. They may become less active, reducing the energy they expend and the heat they lose. Some species might even huddle together for warmth, especially in communal roosts. Additionally, birds might delay their foraging activities until the rain subsides, relying on stored energy reserves.

It's also worth noting that not all birds are equally affected by rain. Waterfowl and seabirds, for example, are well-adapted to wet conditions and may even take advantage of the rain to forage more effectively, as it can dislodge insects from vegetation or flush out prey from hiding spots.

In summary, birds have a variety of strategies to deal with rain, including seeking shelter, physiological adaptations to repel water, adjusting their behavior to conserve energy, and, in some cases, capitalizing on the conditions to enhance their foraging opportunities.

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The biggest one is hypothermia: birds stay warm by trapping tiny pockets of air under their feathers, and if those pockets fill with water instead of air, that bird is going to get cold very quickly. ... Birds can and do take shelter from rain: in bushes, in reeds, under eaves, in nesting cavities.Oct 19, 2014read more >>