8 Martins in 1 gourd

[Paul Stein]

Got home yesterday afternoon and as usual just checking the gourds and notice several sets of tailfeathers sticking out of one gourd. While I was watching another martin squeezed hisself in. Then just before dark, they started exiting the gourd and going back to their (I guess) usual gourds.My best guess was 8 or 9 birds that I actually saw exiting the gourd.I have never seen this behavior before and was just wanting some input. I have approximately 20-25 martins so far. The weather has been rather cold and windy the last couple of days and I am guessing that may be a factor. Thank goodness it is a little warmer today and they are all out feeding. Thanks and hope everyone has a great year.

[DebA]

Snug as a bug in a rug...or...many martins in a gourd. They do huddle up when cold. Smart little birds. Either that or the town council was passing an ordinance.

Enjoy and good luck this year!

Deb

[Louise Chambers]

That behavior is known as communal roosting, to help them conserve energy and stay warm when cold weather/lack of food threaten their survival. As many as 20-30 martins can cram into a single room or gourd. If the bird nearest the entrance dies, the others can die when they are trapped inside by the dead bird. That's one reason why landlords should inspect housing when cold weather breaks.

[Penny Briscoe]

Thanks to all of you in the south for your heroic measures to save as many martins as possible. Some of those birds are Michigan birds and we ALL appreciate your care and concern. I promise to be just as diligent when the birds get up here.