As storm clouds gather, our birds offer us little clues to what may be coming. Historians have documented certain species of bird that rain is on the way. These predators of weather offer us clues to impending rain. Here are 7 species of birds that document the way rain is coming, with additional resources to back up these bird guides.
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Swallows are often seen flying low to the ground when a storm is coming. They are known for their quick and skilled flying. They do this to hunt down insects. When a storm is approaching, the insects will fly down closer to the ground due to the changing air pressure. The swallows use this as an opportunity to catch their prey. If you would like to learn more about how birds predict the weather, check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
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2. Red-winged Blackbirds
You can hear the Red-winged Blackbird's song before (and during) many summer thunderstorms, including the ones we had in our area. Thunderstorms are formed by heavy rain, and moisture in the air enhances the volume of the Blackbird's song. The Blackbird's song may be used as a warning signal to other birds in the area and to let them know that there will be a storm. The Audubon Society’s Field Guide has more information about this bird and others.
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3. Seagulls
Seagulls may go inland from the coastline and may also do this prior to storms. This is done to avoid rougher waters. Migrating inland can indicate that a storm is coming over the sea and is a sign of rougher seas. For further information on the behavior of seagulls and their adaptability you can visit the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on seagulls.
4. Robins
Robins are well known for their pre-rain behavior and foraging by hopping across lawns to find earthworms that have been brought up due to the moist soil. Robins increase their activities and are lively in the search of food, which is a sign that rain is imminent. Learn more about American Robins at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
5. Geese
Geese are famous for their unique ways of traveling. And flying in straight lines while honking is even a sign of changing weather. If you see geese flying especially low it could mean a storm is coming. To learn more about Canada Goose behavior visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website.
6. Crows
Crows are intelligent birds and when they sense a storm coming they will gather. When they caw together, it could mean that rain is coming. To learn more about the cleverness of crows, visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
7. Sparrows
Sparrows are social birds that travel in groups. Even though they are small, they show great amounts of activity and they often travel in a group before it rains. Their chattering and the group behavior of fleeing to find shelter can show us the approaching storm. For other great information about these tough little birds, visit Cornell's guide to the house sparrow.
