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The Weekly Bird Word

12/09/25

This week’s Bird Word:
Torpor

It’s cold out there! Birds don’t come inside when it’s cold, so they have other ways to survive winter temperatures. Torpor occurs when a resting bird lets its metabolism slow down and its body temperature drop below normal, something like short-term hibernation, which allows the bird to conserve energy. While it can make the bird more vulnerable to predators, torpor is a useful adaptation for surviving long, cold winter nights.

Chickadees often enter torpor during cold winter nights. Photo: Black-capped Chickadee, Ewa Golebiowska/Audubon Photography Awards

More in local bird and nature news:

In addition to torpor: Birds can either adapt to winter temperatures or migrate to warmer climates. Here are some more ways our resident birds survive the winter and things you can do to help them.
Help Protect the Endangered Species Act: We’re holding a virtual discussion and “advocacy power-hour” on Friday to write and submit comments regarding proposed changes to this important legislation.
Birds and habitat go hand-in-hand: On Saturday, the Native Plant Circle is hosting a free information session on the W ildlife Sanctuary Program. Learn about habitat best practices and tips for native plants selections for turning your property into a sanctuary for wildlife.
Learn to advocate: We have two great events coming up to help demystify the process of advocating for your legislative priorities. Check out this article for more information.
Use and lose Nandina this winter: Glossy red berries, evergreen leaves…Nandina is a beautiful plant, but this invasive is best used for holiday decor and then removed from your garden and replaced with some equally beautiful native shrubs.
Calendars are here: Order your 2026 NVBA photo calendar! These calendars feature the top-voted photos from our recent photo contest and are absolutely stunning. We have options to pick up or ship.
We need your help: Check out our volunteer page for all the different ways you can lend a hand! From pulling invasives to helping with tabling events and counting birds and insects, there’s something for everyone.

See you out there,
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

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