If you’re an avid bird watcher, or simply have birds in your environment, then you’ve probably seen birds roosting. It’s not uncommon to see a group of birds huddled together perched in a tree or atop a structure in a coop or cage. Almost all types of birds do this, and they seem to instinctively know what to and how to do it. The question on your mind may be: why do birds roost and not sit in nests?

Birds roost to get a goods night rest, they do not sleep in their nests but rather keep their eggs in nests and go elsewhere to roost for a good nights sleep among other birds. They roost in groups to benefit from the warmth and safety they have in numbers. 

Why do birds roost?​

While its common to consider a nest, a bird’s home. The reality is that nests are the holding places for eggs, young birds, and hatchlings. Most birds do not spend their nights sleeping in nests. Instead, they roost or perch on some structure high off the ground and sleep, often in groups.

Shared roosting with other birds offers several benefits. Birds get to benefit from the shared warmth created by the roosting group. They get added protection too, if one is attacked chances are it will alert the group who may fight together or take flight together.

Do birds roost in the same place every night?

While birds often do not sleep in their nest, unless they are hatching or protecting their young, they do tend to roost within proximity of their nest and feeding spot. Birds may not sleep at the same exact spot each night, but they do stay in the general vicinity. They choose the location based on its proximity to their nest, feeding spot, access, and safety from predators.

What time do birds go to sleep?

Birds are mainly diurnal, that is they sleep during the night and are awake throughout the day. There are exceptions like the owl for example which is nocturnal. Occasionally diurnal birds appear to be sleeping during the daytime; however, this is a misinterpretation. Birds tend to close their eyes to shield out the rays of the sun while resting or waiting, however, they are very much awake.

Birds generally rise with, and turn in, with the sun. At sunrise, most birds are out and about in search of early prey and leftovers from the night activities.

In preparation for their nightly rest, to be away from prowling night creature and to ensure they have sufficient light to move about, diurnal birds will retire to sleep just before the sun sets over the horizon.

Can birds sleep while flying?

Recently researchers have answered the long-contested question of, can birds sleep while flying. Astonishingly, there are migratory birds that can significantly shut down bodily functions to the point of induced sleep while flying. This makes flying for days across extensive distances possible.

In scientific terms, migratory birds can switch their brains into unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. This is where only one hemisphere of the brain rests at a time, practically sleeping with one eye open. When necessary these birds can also achieve bihemispheric slow-wave sleep for short moments. That is, they can close both eyes and achieve some rest for moments at a time.

Do birds get tired of standing?

The muscle tendons in the feet of birds tend to compensate for the strain of standing for long periods. However, birds do on occasion get tired of standing. Some birds alternate from one leg to the next to alleviate the tiredness. However, while roosting, birds are in a half standing, half sitting state which does not appear to add significant strain on the bird’s legs. It has been reasoned that perching while roosting is relaxing and not tiresome.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, birds roost as this is the most comfortable, warm and safest way to sleep. They leave their eggs in nests overnight and roost with other birds in groups benefiting from safety in numbers. They roost in proximity to their eggs but may not sleep in the same place every night. They go to bed when it gets dark outside and awake in the morning. Their bodies are designed not to get tired while roosting and they can even sleep while flying

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