With the cold sets in, the birds puff out lol!
Check out this female Eastern Towhee I spotted recently at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh.
With temperatures hovering in the 30s she was in full on floof mode doing all she could to stay warm on her perch.

By pulling off the beach ball look, birds that spend the winter in colder climates use their feathers in the same way we would use a sleeping bag to stay toasty.

As seen in these photos, when this Towhee needs to get warm, she’ll puff out her feathers, which creates pockets of air between the small feathers which are closest to her skin.
In short order, her own body heat will warm those air pockets to effectively create a cozy down comforter around her body.

As long as their able to remain in this ‘puff mode, Eastern Towhees and other species of birds will remain comfortable, even in the chilliest of Tarheel winter mornings.

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame @canonusa
#5Ds