Most people probably think that birds know when the storm is coming well in advance of humans. Indeed, frantically feeding, disappearing behind dense vegetation and performing other unusual activities, many bird species try to protect themselves from harsh weather long before the arrival of a storm. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), scientists have proven that some birds can feel environmental signals, including falling barometric pressure, as well as low-frequency sounds (infrasound) caused by distant storms. It is really amazing to observe how well birds respond to changing conditions in their environment. The following list presents six interesting ways birds know about the approaching storm.
They can feel barometric pressure drops
The most noticeable signal that birds react to is the decrease in barometric pressure. Usually, before a storm comes, the atmospheric pressure drops significantly. Scientists believe that birds can feel these changes in pressure with the help of special receptors, which tell them that severe weather may appear soon. Once having found out about decreasing pressure, the birds usually start feeding intensively or moving to safer places to wait for a heavy rain or a thunderstorm.
They feed more intensively before a storm
Have you ever seen any birds feeding more intensively before it starts raining? This phenomenon has been recorded for numerous species. When a storm approaches, many birds tend to eat more frequently to gain enough energy before harsh weather does not allow them to find food. Moreover, insects may start flying in more quantities before the rainfall, providing birds with an excellent opportunity to catch them quickly.
They look for shelter before harsh weather comes
It is rather difficult to see many birds just before a storm since they start looking for a place to hide from the rain or a strong wind. Birds can hide behind dense bushes, in the canopy of trees, in hollow trunks of trees, under the cliffs, or somewhere else where they will not get hurt by strong winds or raindrops. Larger birds prefer stable perches while smaller species hide among the vegetation.
Wind patterns provide them with important information
Since birds spend most of their lives in the air, they are very sensitive to changes in wind patterns. Birds’ migration can be adjusted according to changes in wind direction and speed. Migrating birds stop their journey or land sooner than usual if they face an unfavorable wind caused by a forthcoming storm. Local birds may also fly lower and cover fewer distances due to changes in weather conditions.
Some species can feel low-frequency sounds
Some species of birds can be capable of detecting low-frequency sounds caused by distant storms, strong winds, or ocean wave S. Such low-frequency sounds are called infrasound and can travel much farther than regular noises. Although scientists still explore how exactly birds perceive this information, infrasound can be the reason why they feel upcoming storms before the first drops fall.
Migration schedule can be adjusted as well
Weather affects birds’ migration significantly, so they try to adjust their schedule accordingly to avoid hazardous condition S. Before the storm, the migrating birds may stop traveling, land at a new place, or wait until the weather improves. In this way, they save their energy and do not run the risk of being caught in strong winds or heavy rainfall.
Nature’s weather forecasters
Birds do not have magic powers to predict weather, but they are gifted with sharp senses, which help them to feel environmental changes long before humans do. Birds improve their chances of survival during the storm by reacting to air pressure, wind, sound, and other natural signals.
Disclaimer:
Bird behaviour varies between species and environmental conditions. While birds often respond to changing weather, their actions should not be considered a substitute for official weather forecasts or emergency warnings.
