Bird Sunbathing Behavior Video

Have you ever seen songbirds like this American Robin or Brown Thrasher sitting awkwardly in the yard looking like they are sick or injured in a trance-like state? Well they are actually sunbathing to help their feather hygiene and general health. Often they like to do this after a nice bath. The leaning to one side and open beaks to suck in air to puff themselves up gives maximum sun exposure to one side and often they will switch to another side. After a number of minutes in the hot sun they will awaken out of their bliss and usually move to the shade and preen their feathers to remove any dead parasites etc and spread out protective oils on their feathers. Birds love water and a safe place to sunbath and preen as they are vulnerable to attacks by predators like cats when they do this - so give them their safe space and some water.