January 27, 2026

Like most mornings recently it was mighty cold this morning. Actually it was 10° when I took this picture. This tan striped White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) was fluffed up to keep warm while getting its breakfast of hulled sunflower seeds.

By fluffing up their feathers, birds are creating trapped body heat against their skin, which acts like a down jacket. That trapped air is warm, helping to keep the bird comfortable.

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