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Air is an insulator. Air trapped in the puffed up feathers of the bird is warmed by the birds own body heat and stays trapped close to the birds skin. This is similar to how a divers wet suit works. The water of a wet suit is warmed by the heat of the divers body and is trapped within the space between the skin and the material of the wet suit which insulates the diver from the much colder water surrounding them.

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16y ago

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Why do birds puff up their feathers to keep warm?

By puffing out their feathers in the cold birds create a larger insulating layer of air and feathers, which helps them retain body heat. Many mammals do the same with their fur.


Why do lovebirds puff up?

Well, all birds puff up. The bird will puff up to rearrange feathers out of order, and to let out warm air against its skin that has been trapped by the feathers.


Why does a female pheasant puff up?

A pheasant will puff up (as will most birds) when it gets cold. When a pheasant puffs up, it traps air between it's feathers and body, which acts as insulation to keep the bird warm. It may also be an indication the bird is not feeling well. When birds get sick, they feel like they are cold, even if the weather is warm.


Why do owls puff up?

Puffing the feathers out traps more air. Air is a good insulator (it doesn't transfer heat well) so when they puff their feathers out it helps to keep them warm.


How do animals get noticed by there mates?

Animals get noticed by mates by their appearance, or call. Some birds puff up their chest feathers and make a unique noise, while male sheep fight for their lady!


How do some birds live in freezing weather?

they put on their wooly coat and ugg boots


Do birds keep warm in nest?

No. Because their feathers puff up. By dragonfang700


What type of body cover does a blue jay have?

As with other birds, the wing of a blue jay is covered in feathers.


What does it mean if a finch puffs its feathers?

It could be for one of three reasons. First of all, birds puff their feathers to trap warm air inside them, to keep warm. This usually happens when they are about to sleep. When a bird sleeps, you should ideally cover the cage with a towel or bird cage blanket to block out the light and the draught. Secondly, alert birds who are not sleepy or cold will puff up their feathers slightly when they are relaxed. Similar to sleeping or cold birds, they are trapping air to keep their temperature steady. The bird is happy. You can usually tell when a bird is relaxed as it will also usually stand on one foot, relaxing the other one. Thirdly, birds will puff up their feathers and appear twice their normal size if they are angry or aggressive. This will happen if you disturb the bird (ie - tapping the cage or waking it from sleep) or if the bird is threatened by the appearance of another animal, such as a cat. The bird will be standing on both feet and watching its surroundings constantly or giving the source of annoyance a "dead-on stare".


What animals have feathers but are not birds?

There are no animals that have feathers besides birds.


Does the kingfisher have feathers?

Yes. Kingfishers are birds, and all birds have feathers.


What are five birds that have feathers?

Pretty much all birds have feathers