Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Guillermina
“Do Birds Get Struck by Lightning?” is a question that a lot of people wonder. Unlike humans, birds are not afforded the option of hiding out in protected houses during bad weather. They act much like most people would when the sky rumbles and lights up. You may often find attractive songbirds hiding under dense bushes if you had to seek them out during a thunderstorm.
However, although they sometimes struggle in bad weather, these clever creatures have dealt with it for ages. This is why they have developed coping methods that generally succeed during dangerous weather. Songbirds are driven to fly great distances in order to migrate. They seek out a place to lay their eggs and breed and will endure the worst storm conditions to do so.
Other species usually knit up tightly against tree trunks, hidden from the winds and rain. Additionally, cavity nesters like bluebirds find refuge in tree holes. Keep in mind that if violent storms hit during the height of the nesting season, mortality may increase. This is because young chicks are susceptible to exposure to cold and rainy weather. Have a browse through the information below to learn more about birds that flock together.
Table of Contents
Can Birds Get Struck By Lightning While Flying?
Birds frequently soar irrationally across the air as it is a part of their natural way of life. However, what happens to them when there is a storm? Do birds get struck by lightning while flying? The answer is yes, they do, even while hidden and well-protected. Depending on the storm’s intensity and the bird’s location, it’s usually a typical occurrence.
The majority of the time, they will seek hiding places to avoid taking flight in threatening weather. This is because they can get struck while flying or when the lightning strikes a pond or river that they are close to. In this instance, geese have frequently been electrocuted in several regions around the world.
They also suffer burns as a result of the sparking energy spreading over an area that they are in. That is why the infamous nighthawks are driven from the sky by a lightning strike and also face the danger of being struck while perched in their nests. Even if a tree that an owl is basking in is hit by a bolt of light from the sky, the possibility of injury is very high. Numerous reports speak of burnt feathers and other injuries after a tumultuous storm. If you want to know what happens to birds during hurricanes, watch the next video.
Can Birds Die From Thunderstorms?
Thunder scares birds because of the loud unexpected noise, which they perceive as a threat. However, a bird’s temperament and species will determine how frightened it is when this occurs. Because they are less exposed to the environment outside, pet birds are typically more frightened of thunder than wild birds.
A storm without aggressive lightning does not usually harm them if they are properly sheltered. This is because when the air pressure reduces prior to a storm, birds choose not to fly, which usually keeps them safe. Aside from staying indoors or perched, they also do so to avoid being battered by strong winds and lightning.
But, keep in mind that these animals can die if they are directly or indirectly hit by lightning or caught in severe winds. According to reports in the US and Canada, blackbirds, starlings, pelicans, and migratory birds have perished during thunderstorms. Additionally, these weather conditions can also destroy nests, posing a detrimental threat to chicks and fully grown adult birds as well.
Let’s have a closer look at where they go during a severe thunderstorm.
Where Do Birds Go During Severe Thunderstorms?
Have you ever wondered where birds go during severe thunderstorms? Well, the good part is that they rarely remain exposed when the weather is bad. The majority of the species will try to hide out and weather the storm. This is because they are intelligent enough to understand the dangers that thunder, rain, and lightning come with.
So, why do birds get struck by lightning and commonly die? It is obvious that due to their size, most will not survive an energy bolt of that stature. I mean, most of us humans wouldn’t either. Because of this fact, it’s crucial for them to defend themselves in the wild. They frequently look for places to take cover, keeping them out of the storm’s eye.
Here Are A Few Facts About Birds And Thunderstorms:
- When a storm is approaching, birds do know.
- Birds like white-throated sparrows can sense drops in air pressure before the skies even begin to rumble.
- They usually boost their foraging activity and food intake in anticipation of a storm.
- Most birds decide against flying during a thunderstorm in favor of finding a perch to wait out the potentially harmful rain, wind, and lightning.
- Even while hiding in dense bushes, between vines, and in tree holes, these animals can still be severely affected by aggressive thunderstorms.
- Lightning strikes are a genuine danger that exists in a bird’s outdoor habitat as it is the cause of several fatalities.
Do Birds Get Scared of Thunder?
Yes, birds do get scared of thunder because they are aware of its dangers. That is why the majority of them flee for cover as it frightens them. Wild birds typically perch low in trees in response to this kind of weather.
Listed below are a few points about the thunderous skies and birds. You should take heed of these points if you have them as pets or look forward to their daily visits to the feeder that is especially posed for them in your garden.
Points:
1. Due to their decreased exposure to storms, pet birds often react to lightning more fearfully than wild birds.
2. When a storm is approaching, birds respond by making alarming sounds, perching, or becoming silent.
3. Keep in mind that their reactions are due to the fact that they can feel the air pressure drop before a storm approaches.
4. Birds will also not fly to avoid getting caught in the wind, heavy rain, or lightning.
Conclusion
Although it is heartbreaking to hear about birds getting electrocuted while flying, there is little we can do to stop this from happening. This is because they belong in the wild and have developed strategies to protect themselves. Their protective instincts kick in which is why they usually flee and stay hidden.
Although it doesn’t always play out too well on their part, most of the time they are lucky enough to have perched themselves safely away. However, lightning may still strike birds even then. But it happens more frequently in regions that experience aggravating storms. Keep in mind that birds in flight during a storm, most especially night eagles, are susceptible to being severely struck down by a bolt of lightning.
But, most of the species hide during this time. Also, you may be surprised to know that they are better able to predict them than we humans. This is why the majority of birds immediately fly away from a storm. Now you know why they are usually out of sight when it occurs. If you want to know what small birds do during a storm, then here’s an informative link.
