Do birds hibernate during winter1/14/2024 ![]() Chickadees discard cells that hold old memories that they don’t need and replace them with new cells that will allow them to store new memories. In the adult brains of birds, neurons are replaced periodically as the demand for memory space peaks. Birds-in particular, chickadees-grow new brain cells. Come spring, when the day length increases, hormones are released to enlarge the sexual organs for the upcoming breeding season.Ī headline from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science article about chickadee brain cell changes.īefore the cold really begins another fascinating change occurs. During the winter season the organs shrink to make room for extra fat storage to get birds through the harsh weather. Sex organs in both sexes are enlarged and functional only during breeding season. For example, the male American Goldfinch goes from his bright yellow breeding plumage to a more subdued olive-green color.īirds’ sexual organs actually shrink after breeding season and before the cold months. Often the color of their feathers change. Birds need fresh feathers for the winter, including additional insulating feathers. After breeding season, and before the cold, most birds molt. Anatomical Changes American Goldfinch in summer (left) and winter (right) plumageīirds also go through some amazing anatomical changes to make it through our harsh winters. These large flocks help them all identify food sources and spot danger quicker than individual birds. ![]() The other birds that stay tend to congregate in larger flocks and cover larger territory. We can all notice some of the behavioral changes birds make during the winter months. ![]()
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