Wisconsin’s winter landscape hosts a diverse array of bird species that forgo migration. While many birds journey south to warmer climates, a diverse population remains, adapted to the cold. These residents offer an opportunity to observe wildlife thriving in challenging conditions. Understanding which birds stay and survive provides a deeper appreciation for winter in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Resilient Winter Birds
Many familiar species remain in Wisconsin throughout the colder months, including the Black-capped Chickadee, identifiable by its black cap, bib, white cheeks, and plump body. These birds frequently visit feeders and flit through bare branches, known for its “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song. The Downy Woodpecker, the smallest North American woodpecker, distinguished by checkered black and white plumage and a red patch on the male’s head. It forages for insects on tree trunks and branches, even in deep snow.
The Northern Cardinal provides a splash of red against the snowy backdrop, males with crimson feathers and females with a reddish-brown hue. These birds are recognized by their crests and reddish-orange beaks. They frequently visit backyard feeders. Blue Jays, with their blue, black, and white plumage and loud calls, remain year-round in Wisconsin. They are known for their intelligence and caching acorns and nuts, a behavior aiding winter survival.
Ground-feeding birds like the American Tree Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco are common winter residents. The American Tree Sparrow has a rusty cap and a dark spot on its unstreaked breast, scratching for seeds on the ground or in low shrubs. Dark-eyed Juncos, called “snowbirds,” are recognized by their slate-gray backs and hoods contrasting with white bellies. They forage in small flocks under feeders.
Larger birds, such as the Great Horned Owl, a nocturnal predator with ear tufts, endures the Wisconsin winter. These owls are heard hooting at dusk and dawn, nesting even in late winter.
How Birds Endure the Wisconsin Winter
Birds possess physiological adaptations to withstand freezing temperatures, including fluffing their feathers. Trapping layers of air close to their bodies creates an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss. Many species shiver, generating metabolic heat to maintain body temperature. Some smaller birds, like chickadees, can enter a state of torpor during cold nights, lowering body temperature and metabolic rate to conserve energy.
Countercurrent heat exchange in legs and feet is an adaptation. Arteries carrying warm blood to the feet run parallel to veins carrying cold blood back to the body, transferring heat. This process minimizes heat loss from the unfeathered extremities, pre-warming returning blood. Maintaining energy reserves is important, as birds burn calories rapidly to stay warm.
Behavioral adjustments are important for winter survival. Birds alter their diets, shifting from insects to high-fat seeds, berries, and suet for energy. Many species engage in communal roosting, gathering in sheltered locations like dense evergreens or tree cavities to share body heat and reduce heat loss. Birds utilize natural windbreaks or create depressions in the snow.
Supporting and Observing Winter Birds
Providing food sources supports winter birds in Wisconsin. A variety of feeders, such as tube feeders for small seeds, platform feeders for mixed seeds, and suet cages, can attract diverse species. Black oil sunflower seeds are preferred high-energy food, while nyjer seeds attract finches, and millet appeals to ground-feeding birds. Consistent feeding is important, as birds rely on these supplemental sources during extreme cold or deep snow.
Access to unfrozen water is vital during winter, as natural water sources can become frozen. A heated bird bath provides drinking and bathing opportunities, helping birds maintain feather insulation. Placing the bird bath near shelter and out of wind encourages its use. Natural shelter is beneficial; dense evergreen trees offer protection from wind and snow, and brush piles provide roosting spots.
Observing winter birds is a rewarding experience, best done during early morning hours when birds are active in search of food. Binoculars enhance viewing, allowing detailed observation of plumage and behavior without disturbing birds. Learning common bird calls helps identification, as many species are more vocal than visual in dense cover. Patience is important when observing wildlife, as birds may take time to appear or display natural behaviors.