As winter storms still rage across parts of the United States, birds are preparing to move north for spring migration. As temperatures finally warm up, we wonder about how our feathered friends spent the cold, harsh winter months.  When temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, animals have different ways to survive. Some go into hibernation, while others enter a state called torpor. Though they might seem similar, there are key differences between the two. Birds don’t hibernate in the way that mammals like bears do, but many species experience torpor to get through cold nights or periods of food scarcity.

Torpor is a short-term, reversible state of reduced metabolic activity. During torpor, a bird’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate drop significantly, allowing it to conserve energy. This state usually lasts for a few hours, or overnight, helping birds survive cold nights or food shortages. Because torpor is temporary, birds can wake up and become active relatively quickly when needed.

Hibernation, on the other hand, is a prolonged state of dormancy lasting for an extended period, often weeks or months. In hibernation, metabolism slows even more drastically than in torpor, and the animal remains in a low-energy state for an extended time. Many mammals, such as bears, bats, and ground squirrels, hibernate to survive winter conditions. 

Many species rely on torpor to get through difficult conditions. Hummingbirds are among the best-known examples. These tiny birds have incredibly high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of food to maintain their energy levels. When temperatures drop at night, and food is unavailable, hummingbirds may enter torpor to conserve energy. Their body temperature can drop dramatically, sometimes by nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing them to survive until morning when they can start feeding again. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also thought to use torpor as a strategy to conserve energy for future migration, as a way to save up fat stores for the long journey ahead.

Other birds that use torpor include nightjars, swifts, and chickadees. Black-capped Chickadees, for example, enter torpor on especially cold nights, lowering their body temperature by about 20 degrees to reduce energy loss. This ability helps them survive harsh winter conditions in northern climates. 

One of the most persistent bird myths involves swallows and hibernation. For centuries, people believed that swallows spent the winter hibernating underwater! This idea dates back to ancient times when early observers noticed that swallows disappeared during the colder months and assumed they buried themselves in mud beneath lakes and rivers until spring. Some even claimed to have seen swallows emerging from the water when the weather warmed.

In reality, like many species, swallows migrate to warmer climates instead of hibernating. Barn Swallows, for example, travel thousands of miles from North America to Central and South America (or from Europe to Africa -- these birds are fairly cosmopolitan). The myth of swallows hibernating underwater has long been debunked, but it remains a fascinating example of how people once tried to explain mysterious bird behavior before the science of migration was well understood.

Torpor is a crucial survival strategy for many birds, allowing them to conserve energy during cold nights or periods of food scarcity. It may also be used to save up energy for future use, even when weather conditions are mild.  Torpor provides a temporary solution that helps species like hummingbirds, chickadees, and nightjars endure harsh conditions.  Whether by entering torpor or flying thousands of miles to warmer climates, birds have developed remarkable adaptations to make it through challenging seasons.

How long do birds live? The answer depends on the species. Some tiny songbirds only live a couple of years, while certain parrots and seabirds can outlive humans! But have you ever wondered how bird lifespans compare to human ages? If a parrot lives to be 80, how old would that be in "human years"? Let’s explore bird longevity, some record-breaking birds, and how we know their ages.

Bird lifespans vary widely. Small birds like chickadees or sparrows typically live 2 to 5 years in the wild. A 3-year-old American Robin would be middle-aged, while a 10-year-old robin would be ancient, comparatively speaking. The longevity record for American Robin in the wild is 13 years, 11 months for an individual banded in California in 1962. In contrast, larger birds like eagles and parrots can live for decades. Bald Eagles often reach 20 to 30 years in the wild, and some parrots, like macaws, can surpass 50 or even 80 years. The longevity record for Bald Eagle in the wild is 38 years for an individual banded in New York in 1977. For more information about the longevity records for wild North American birds, visit Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds.

One of the most famous long-lived birds is Wisdom, a Laysan Albatross. She was first banded in 1956 as an adult, making her at least 73 years old today—the oldest known wild bird! Despite her age, she continues to lay eggs and raise chicks. Another record-holder is Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, who lived to be 83 years old in captivity at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo.

To compare bird ages to human years, some people use a rough formula similar to dog years. One simple method is multiplying a bird’s age by 5 to 6 for small birds and by 2 to 3 for long-lived species. For example, a 10-year-old Budgerigar might be considered roughly the equivalent of 50 to 60 in human years, while a 40-year-old African Gray Parrot could be like an 80- to 100-year-old person.

Many of the longest-lived bird records have been tracked through bird banding, also called ringing. Scientists place small, numbered bands on birds’ legs, allowing researchers to identify the same individual years or even decades later. In captivity, we can track birth records to know exactly how old pet or zoo birds are.

Bird longevity records also include some famous final farewells. Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon, died in 1914 at around 29 years old, marking the extinction of her species. The last known Carolina Parakeet, Incas, died in 1918 at the Cincinnati Zoo at at least 33 years of age. More recently, Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023, survived for about a year in the wild before his death in 2024. Hatched in captivity in 2010, Flaco was 13 years old at the time of his death.

Longevity of captive birds compared to their wild counterparts demonstrates the dangers of living a life in the wild. The longest known lived wild Harris's Hawk was just 19 years and 4 months old when it was found dead on the side of the road in Texas; the longest lived captive Harris's Hawk was a beloved ambassador bird who recently passed at nearly 38 years old.

While some birds live incredibly long lives, most face challenges like predation, habitat loss, and disease. Still, many species continue to surprise researchers with their longevity. Whether it’s a backyard bird or a century-old parrot, each bird's life is a fascinating look into the world of avian aging.

Birds have long been a source of inspiration for musicians, symbolizing freedom, beauty, and nature. Songs about birds or those that mention birds capture these themes in melodies and lyrics, resonating with listeners in various ways. Here’s a look at some iconic songs that feature our feathered friends. Here are some catchy tunes along with the birds that inspired them.

Blackbird

One of the most famous bird-themed songs is "Blackbird" by The Beatles. Released in 1968 on their "White Album," the song was written by Paul McCartney. "Blackbird" is a beautiful acoustic track featuring a delicate guitar melody and McCartney’s soulful vocals. The lyrics, "Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly," are often interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and achieving freedom. McCartney has stated that the song was inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States, adding a deeper layer of meaning to its seemingly simple lyrics. 

unknown Jamaican birds

Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" is a reggae anthem that spreads positivity and reassurance. Featured on the 1977 album "Exodus," the song’s chorus, "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right," is a comforting reminder to stay optimistic. Marley was inspired by the birds he saw outside the window of his Jamaican studio, and their carefree demeanor reflected the song's message of hope and tranquility. We can only speculate what feathered songsters may have inspired Marley's uplifting song.

White-winged Dove

Another beloved song that mentions birds is "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks. This 1981 hit from her debut solo album "Bella Donna" features the famous line, "Just like the White-winged Dove sings a song, sounds like she's singing." The song is a tribute to John Lennon and Nicks' uncle Jonathan, who both passed away in the same week. The White-winged Dove symbolizes the soul's journey and the inevitable process of life and death. Nicks' haunting vocals and the powerful guitar riff make this song a timeless classic.

American Robin

"Rockin' Robin" by Bobby Day is a classic rock and roll song that has charmed audiences since its release in 1958. The upbeat, catchy tune is centered around a bird, the titular "Rockin' Robin," who "rocks in the treetops all day long," singing and dancing to its own delightful melody. With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, the song quickly became a hit, capturing the joyful spirit of the rock and roll era. Bobby Day's vibrant performance and the song's whimsical narrative about a bird who loves to rock and roll made "Rockin' Robin" a timeless favorite that continues to bring smiles to listeners' faces. This American classic is surely inspired by the familiar American Robin.

Sparrow sp.

Simon & Garfunkel's "Sparrow" from the 1964 debut studio album "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M" is a poignant song that uses the story of a sparrow seeking help from others to explore themes of compassion and kindness. The sparrow's journey reflects the challenges and loneliness that can come with seeking understanding and empathy in the world. There are several sparrow species that could be the inspiration behind this mournful folk ballad. Historical eBird records from New York in 1964 indicate the most abundantly reported sparrows to be the Song Sparrow, and the non-native but always ubiquitous House Sparrow.

Bald Eagle (?)

"Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of freedom and the desire for change. Released in 1976, the song features a smooth blend of rock and spacey synthesizers, creating a dreamy, almost ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics speak to social issues and the longing for a better world, with the repeated refrain, "Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' into the future," emphasizing the urgency for progress. The imagery of an eagle flying high in the sky symbolizes the ultimate freedom and the potential for humanity to rise above its challenges. The Bald Eagle is known as the symbol of the USA, and a fitting inspiration for this song. However, North America's other eagle species, the Golden Eagle, is found all across the west, including the San Francisco area -- where the Steve Miller Band is from. 

Northern Mockingbird (?)

"Mockingbird" by Carly Simon and James Taylor is a delightful duet that brings a modern twist to the traditional lullaby "Hush, Little Baby." Released in 1974 (as a remake of a Inez and Charlie Foxx track), the song features a playful back-and-forth between Simon and Taylor, with each singer echoing the other's lines. The lyrics reference a mockingbird's ability to mimic sounds, using it as a metaphor for the promises and reassurances given to a loved one. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with the singers' charismatic performance, make "Mockingbird" a charming and enduring piece that continues to resonate with listeners. There are several species of mockingbird in the world, but in the United States, the Northern Mockingbird is by far the most common.

These songs, among many others, highlight the enduring connection between birds and music. Whether as symbols of freedom, love, or life's journey, birds continue to inspire musicians across genres and generations.

Periodical cicadas are among nature's most fascinating insects, with their synchronized emergences occurring every 13 or 17 years. These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. When they finally emerge, they transform the landscape in remarkable ways, not just for themselves, but also for the local bird populations and broader ecosystems.

In many locations across the midwest and southeast of the United States, the emergence of two broods of cicadas are approaching their peak. Brood XIII (the Northern Illinois Brood, a 17-year cicada) and Brood XIX (the Great Southern Brood, a 12-year cicada) are both emerging right around now. Do you have cicadas where you live? Is this the first time you've experienced this phenomenon?

For birds, this sudden appearance of millions of cicadas provides a significant and timely food source, particularly beneficial during the breeding season.

The life cycle of periodical cicadas is both unique and complex. Cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from tree roots. When they finally emerge, usually overnight, in late spring, they come out in such vast numbers that their presence can’t be ignored. They climb onto nearby vegetation or other surfaces including fences and buildings, where they molt one last time to become winged adults. The sight and sound of millions of cicadas filling the air can be overwhelming, but for birds, it’s an ecological feast.

For local birds, this mass emergence is like a buffet laid out for them. Birds such as American Robins, Blue Jays, and Northern Cardinals feast on the cicadas, taking advantage of the sudden abundance of food. This feeding frenzy can have several impacts on bird populations.

It provides a significant nutritional boost. The abundance of cicadas offers an easy and nutritious food source, which is particularly advantageous during the breeding season when birds need extra energy to care for their young. The high protein content of cicadas helps adult birds maintain their strength and improves the health and growth rate of their chicks.

The abundance of cicadas can influence bird behavior and breeding success. Some studies suggest that bird species with access to periodical cicadas may produce more offspring during emergence years. This is because the high protein content of cicadas helps improve the health and vitality of both adult birds and their young. This increased food availability can lead to more successful broods, thereby potentially boosting local bird populations in the years following a cicada emergence.

With cicadas providing a plentiful food source, predation pressure on other insects and small animals may decrease, allowing these populations to thrive as well. With birds focusing on the abundant cicadas, other prey species might experience a temporary reprieve, which can impact the broader ecosystem. This shift in predation and its potential impacts can illustrate the interconnection of these ecological events.

The impact of cicada emergences isn't limited to immediate bird populations. The sudden influx of nutrients into the ecosystem can have cascading effects. When birds eat cicadas, they also help distribute nutrients through their droppings. These nutrients can enrich the soil, promoting plant growth and benefiting the entire ecosystem. The decaying bodies of cicadas that are not eaten contribute to soil fertility, fostering a healthier environment for various plant species.

There are also potential drawbacks. The sudden surge in cicada numbers can lead to temporary imbalances. For instance, some birds might become so focused on cicadas that they neglect other food sources, which could affect their diet diversity in the short term. Additionally, the noise created by millions of male cicadas singing to attract mates can be overwhelming, although it subsides after a few weeks. The maximum lifespan of adult cicadas is just one month.

Understanding the role of periodical cicadas in ecosystems underscores the intricate connections between species. These insects, which might seem inconsequential or even annoying to some, play a vital part in maintaining ecological balance. Their predictable emergences offer a unique opportunity to observe natural processes and the interdependence of life forms.

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, cicada years present a chance to witness extraordinary interactions. Watching birds capitalize on this bonanza is a reminder of the adaptive strategies wildlife employs to survive and thrive. It’s a perfect living example of the resilience and complexity of nature, where even the most unusual life cycles have their place and purpose.

The emergence of periodical cicadas is a natural marvel with significant ecological implications. These events provide crucial food resources for birds, influence breeding success, and contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. By appreciating these interactions, we gain deeper insights into the delicate balance of our natural world.

Links for further study:

• Wikipedia article on Periodical cicadas
• Cicada Safari: facts, activities, and resources
• Periodical Cicadas, 2024: Entomologists Prepare for the Six-Week Serenade