Birds sleep in a variety of safe and sheltered places depending on their species and habitat:
- Songbirds typically sleep perched on secluded branches high in trees, often close to the trunk and on the downwind side to avoid predators and harsh weather. They fluff their feathers, tuck their beak into their back feathers, and may sleep with one foot up, using tendons to grip the perch securely
- Birds that nest in tree cavities or holes , such as woodpeckers and bluebirds, often use these cavities as sleeping spots year-round for protection and warmth
- Waterbirds and ducks often sleep floating on water or standing at the water’s edge. Some waterfowl can sleep with one half of their brain at a time (unihemispheric slow-wave sleep), allowing them to stay alert to danger even while resting
- Larger birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and owls usually sleep perched high in trees, often near the trunk where they are safe from predators
- Birds generally do not sleep in their nests except during the breeding season when caring for eggs or chicks. Nests are primarily for raising young, not for regular sleeping
- Some birds also use dense foliage, shrubs, barns, roofs, ledges, or man-made structures like birdhouses and nesting boxes for roosting at night
In summary, birds choose sleeping sites that provide safety from predators, shelter from weather, and warmth, ranging from tree branches and cavities to water surfaces and man-made shelters depending on their species and environment
