Why Do Birds Puff Up? 9 Vet Approved Reasons
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Whether you’re a passionate bird watcher or a novice interested in ornithology, you likely look at birds in wonder and amazement. After all, these amazing creatures come in thousands of variations and many of them can fly through the air easily.
Watching birds fly is interesting, of course, but watching them up close and seeing how they communicate, socialize and go about their daily business is fascinating. If you’ve watched enough birds, you might have noticed that many puff up their chests and feathers, an action that’s unique and often stunning.
Why do birds puff up? There are several reasons, including to keep warm, relax before sleeping, and others! If you’re curious to learn more about why birds puff up and the different meanings behind the behavior, read on!
The 9 Reasons Why Birds Puff Up
Common reasons why birds puff up include the following:
1. They’re Feeling Cold
The most common reason a bird puffs up is because they’re feeling cold, and they’re trying to stay warm. By fluffing their feathers, birds trap air between them. That air is then warmed by the bird’s body, which acts as insulation.
2. They’re Getting Ready to Sleep or Taking a Nap
Most birds sleep at night and are active during the day. When getting ready to sleep, many bird species will fluff their feathers and relax into them, like a human with a pillow. A tired bird will do this at any time of day, and one trying to relax will do the same.
3. They’ve Just Had a Bath
Birds often seek out water to take a quick bath to keep them clean and stay healthy. If you have a bird bath in your yard, you’ve likely seen birds puffing up after bathing, which helps their feathers dry and increases their body temperature after a bath. Another function of puffing up is to get as much air under their smaller feathers as possible.
4. They Feel Threatened
A bird that feels threatened will puff up their chest to look bigger and more powerful. Many birds will also do this when protecting their young. Most will also spread their wings further apart from their body to look even more intimidating.
5. They’re Unwell/Sick
Although it isn’t seen in all cases, when a bird is sick or stressed, they tend to puff up their feathers and chest more than usual. If you see a bird sitting still with their feathers fluffed up and their tail possibly bobbing up and down, there’s a good chance they’re sick. A trip to your local vet is advised if your pet bird is showing this behavior. It is important to note that birds that are unwell may also show other signs.
- Squinting eyes
- Reduced appetite
- Sitting on the cage floor instead of a perch
- Weight loss
- Refusing to fly
- Breathing heavily
- Inflamed nares
- Discharges from the body
- A dirty, pasty vent
6. Keeping Young Birds Warm/Safe
For many bird species, young chicks aren’t able to properly regulate their temperature. For such birds, their parents will often puff up their feathers to allow their young near their body for additional warmth. Common examples of birds that do so include chickens and quails. Many water birds puff their feathers to allow their young “onboard” while they carry them across bodies of water, while shielding them from predators at the same time.
7. They’re Trying to Mate
Some species puff up their feathers in a wild and exciting courtship display during mating season. Some of the birds that puff up their chest when they’re trying to procreate include the Pigeon, Frigate Bird, Pectoral Sandpiper, Royal Penguins, Starlings, Prairie Chickens, and Parakeets.
8. They’re Preening and Cleaning Themselves
Birds puff up their feathers when they preen or clean themselves. By puffing up their feathers, a bird gets better access to the underside of their feathers. Puffing up also allows birds to reconnect their feather barbules like you would close a zipper.
9. They’re Happy
This last reason many birds puff up their chest and feathers is one of the best; they’re happy! This is better documented in pet birds, though it’s documented fairly well in many wild bird populations and species too. Larger pet birds often puff up their feathers when their favorite person enters their living space. If that’s you, count your blessings because it means your bird has a lot of affection for you and is happy to see you. Many bird species also have excellent rhythmic sense and may puff up their feathers as they get ready to enjoy a dance.
Final Thoughts
Whether they’re trying to warm up, protect their young, or find a mate (among other things), most of the reasons a bird will puff their feathers are a normal response to their environment or physiological state. However, a bird that is stressed or sick may also appear puffy in appearance.
However, the best reason for a bird to puff up has to be when they’re your pet bird buddy, and they’re excited to see you! Whatever the reason, we hope the information we provided today has answered all your questions and given you a new appreciation for why birds puff up.
Featured Image Credit: Zuzha, Shutterstock
