Page 31 - ODO 2024 JanFeb online version

BRANDI CHAMBERS/READERS' PHOTO SHOWCASE 2018 FLUFFING FEATHERS

Whether fat, fur or feathers, insulation
matters for most cold-weather animals.
All cold-climate birds pack on body weight
in late summer and fall in anticipation of the
long, cold winter. But feathers also play an
important role.
All birds stay warm by trapping pockets of
air around their bodies. The secret to main-
taining these layers of air lies in having clean,
dry and flexible feathers.
Canada geese have a substantial layer of down to protect against frigid temperatures. The cleaning process, generally known as
preening, depends on the species of bird. While all birds produce a special oil from a gland
near the base of their tails, some cold-tolerant birds use this oil to weatherproof their feathers.
Some birds, including egrets, herons and mourning doves, grow special feathers that disin-
tegrate into a powder that they use to waterproof their feathers. Regardless of what weather-
proofing method they use, preening helps birds keep a water-resistant top layer and a toasty
warm inner layer.

PIXABAY/CC0

A heavy ice storm seems to have little effect on this field sparrow. Most birds, such as this American robin, will ruffle their feathers to act as insulation against the cold.

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