Blowing in the wind - how birds cope with extreme weather

Matt Rich

Ranger RHNR

Working as I do at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, you get to see extreme weather on a regular basis. Apart from the Discovery Centre, it can be a very exposed place, especially in high winds. 

For birds, adapting to turbulent weather is an essential survival skill. 

Their streamlined bodies and flexible feathers automatically help reduce wind resistance. When faced with strong winds, birds can adjust their feathers' positions to maintain stability, much like the flaps on an aircraft's wings. They'll often fluff up their feathers in cold, windy conditions to trap warm air close to their bodies while keeping their outer feathers sleek to cut through the wind. Who doesn’t love a puffed-up Robin?

You can see flocks of Geese and Cormorants flying over the reserve in v-formation. By doing this, every bird except the leader gets a lift from the upwash (upward-moving air) generated by the bird in front. By positioning themselves carefully and flapping their wings at the right time, they can spend more time gliding. This is more energy efficient. They also take turns being the leader so that everyone gets a rest.

During severe weather, many birds hunker down, finding sheltered spots behind buildings, in dense bushes, or on the lee side of hills. Urban birds have become adept at using man-made structures, often gathering in the shelter of tall buildings or under bridges. Tree cavities and dense hedgerows offer invaluable protection during windstorms.

Perhaps most impressively, birds can literally go with the flow. Many species take advantage of strong winds to conserve energy during flight. Seabirds such as gulls and albatrosses are masters of this technique, using dynamic soaring to harvest energy from wind gradients. They rise with upward-moving air currents and then glide down with the wind, covering vast distances while expending minimal energy.

However, not all birds handle wind the same way. Small garden birds such as Sparrows and finches often struggle more than larger birds in windy conditions. They typically feed in short bursts, darting quickly between sheltered spots to minimise their exposure to strong gusts. Many also shift their feeding patterns, foraging on the ground rather than at exposed bird feeders during particularly windy spells.

Some birds have developed specialised physical adaptations. Coastal birds often have stronger legs and feet to maintain their grip on rocky shores during storms. Many species can also lock their toes around perches, allowing them to sleep securely even when the wind rocks their perch through the night.

Interestingly, wind direction plays a crucial role in bird behaviour. During migration, birds will often wait for favourable winds before beginning their journeys. They're capable of detecting subtle changes in air pressure that indicate incoming weather systems, allowing them to prepare for approaching storms.