How Birds Brave the Winter

Winter presents unique challenges for wildlife, and birds have evolved remarkable strategies to survive the harsh conditions. Here’s a closer look at how different species adapt to the season in Jackson Hole.

Migratory Birds
Many birds migrate to escape winter’s rigors. Short-distance migrants like bluebirds and meadowlarks may start returning as early as March, while longer-distance migrants such as pewees and warblers arrive in late April or May. These species breed in the Teton area and head to warmer climates in the fall, repeating this biannual journey.

Winter Visitors
Some birds migrate from farther north to spend the winter in Jackson Hole. Examples include Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Shrikes, both well-adapted to cold climates. Rough-legged Hawks have fully feathered legs (tarsi) for insulation, while Northern Shrikes undergo seasonal acclimatization, increasing their metabolic rate to generate extra body heat. Additionally, birds’ red blood cells contain mitochondria that produce more heat in winter through cellular respiration.

Year-Round Residents
Other species make Jackson Hole their home year-round, including ravens, magpies, chickadees, and grouse. Chickadees are especially resourceful, caching hundreds of food items in the fall and expanding the part of their brain responsible for memory to recall their hiding spots during winter. Grouse have their own impressive adaptations: they burrow into snow for warmth and use specialized toe protrusions (pectinations) like snowshoes to navigate deep snow. Dusky Grouse migrate upslope in winter, surviving on conifer needles in dense montane forests.

How You Can Help
Birds’ winter survival depends on conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary stress. Here’s how you can support them:

• Minimize disturbances to avoid startling birds off their perches.
• Keep feeders clean and stocked with quality food.
• Make your windows bird-safe to reduce collisions.

From caching food to growing “snowshoes,” birds possess incredible adaptations that allow them to thrive even in winter’s harshest conditions. With a little help, we can ensure they continue to brighten our skies year-round.