Sunbathing Blackbirds

Kev Lewis · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 05:43 AM

We have a group of adult blackbirds and their young and they have taken to sunbathing

I now regularly see upto 10 of them 'lying' on the shed roof, wings and tails feathers well spread out. They can spend upto 10 minutes there without moving, something I haven't seen before

paulthomas · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 07:25 AM

I see this quite regularly around here too. I think the behavior might be something to do with parasite control. That or they're topping up their suntans

Boddie · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 07:35 AM

I think it is parasite control too. They do this at my old queens gaff on her shed roof and seem to preen themselves at the same time. We have left Saltan out for them and they have ignored it so one would have to summise that it is not to top up their tans

Diane E · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 07:36 AM

I'm not surprised you put a smiley on, Kev, I bet thats great to see - never realised you could get a group of blackbirds together like that! I'd love to see a picture of them (hint, hint).................

My male blackbird and the 'baby blackbird who lives under the hedge' are both sunworshippers too. Adult B just lays on the lawn, wings and tail extended. Baby B has a technique more like a lizard - he stretches out one part at a time. But as you say they stay completely still for (what seems like) ages. And numpty here (me) gets worried about them and feels compelled to stay and watch them till they've finished so that bad 'nature' doens't get them!

Don't forget the photo, Kev!

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 08:29 AM

It's common behaviour, but I've never seen 10 of them at the same time. Must have been a great sight.

wildone · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 08:33 AM

I always understood that it was a means of getting their feathers back into shape. Another reason to preen at the same time. The thought of them topping up their tan is delightful.

catalaze · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 11:55 AM

Yes, nice. I've never seen more than one or two birds do this. Blackbirds can get quite groggy sunbathing, too. Still, a shed roof sounds fairly safe. I have a feeling the sun stimulates their preen glands. This gland is at the base of the tail and produces the oil with which they treat their feathers. Much more economical than buying anything.

Sometimes birds spread their wings and crouch where ants are about, and let the ants crawl all over them. The idea then is that the ants kill the little mites and things that parasitise them. I've seen Magpies do that, too.

Diane E · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 12:18 PM

Good knowledge everyone! I've duly noted it so, when required, I can trot it out and sound like I know what I'm talking about

Kev Lewis · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 12:22 PM

I still think they are sunbathing

Thanks for the replies everyone

jezlee · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 01:05 PM

I've seen them doing that in my garden for years now, but only the odd one or two at any one time. I remember getting quite worried the first time I saw one doing it, and going out into the garden eventually to see if it was alright. Of course, when he saw me coming, he was off, with a quick volley of 'alarm' calling .... it took me seeing it a couple more times before I eventually cottoned on to what they were really doing!!

I leave little bowls of suntan lotion out with their food now, of course ....

Diane E · #11 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 06:04 PM

I read a great story on the web about a lady (who loved her birds) who used to sit out in the garden in a deck chair. One day she went back inside the house and when she came out again a male blackbird was in the sunbathing position actually laying in the deck chair

And apparently the female of the pair used to come into her house when the door was open and eat the cat food from the cat's bowl! How surreal is that!

Tinkerbell · #12 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 06:18 PM

Re the sunbathing blackbirds, I too have this common sight in my garden on a sunny day. But, can anyone explain why it is only blackbirds that sunbathe?

Tink

wildone · #13 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 06:30 PM

Tinks I have seen House Sparrows also doing it.

Thought ... it isn't anything to do with digestion like Corrmorant when they hold their wings out. I know it used to be thought to dry but I believe latest thinking is that it is to aid digestion.