Why Do Martins Stay Out In the Rain?

[handyman315]

The answer is probably obvious, but as a first-year landlord I can't seem to figure out why Martins - lots of Martins - will sit out in a cold, windy, dreary rain when perfectly good, dry housing with (mostly) unused pine needles is readily available. Other times they go barreling straight into a cavity, can't seem to get in fast enough.

I realize that we should not attach human type thinking to these wonderful birds, and that the outdoors - in general - is their friend, but today, as I watched them getting soaking wet for no good reason, sometimes for more than an hour at a time, it kept occurring to me that I'm overlooking something.

[taxidermy lady]

It's a bird thing! My chickens do the same thing! Then when it's done they groom themselves! Most bugs will crawl under a leaf and stay out of the rain! Remember no flying insects for the martins to eat while it's raining hard! So what else to do but sit in the rain!
It's a soothing feeling I'm sure as itchy as they are! Their waterproof with their oilgland!

[ToyinPA]

The rain washes away dust, dirt, dander & parasites.

I also think it gives them a mini massage. Reason I say that is my Macaw loves me to spray water directly on her back in the shower.

I love to watch Martins sitting in pouring rain. They do what I call the "Butt wiggle dance" They wiggle & scooch around then give the tail a big wiggle throwing off the rain. Most will face the wind & let the rain hit them full force beak to tail. Then you have others who don't like the rain & will make a B-line for the nest.

After a good soaking they preen & zip their feathers back in place, while oiling them. Preening keeps their feathers from becoming brittle, gives them better flying abilities, protects them from heat & cold, etc. So a good soaking in the rain would be sort of like humans taking a nice long shower.

Toy in PA

[C.C.Martins]

It is funny, they do seem to really enjoy it. Our Doves just sit and pout until its over, most of the other birds duck and cover. Martins seem to enjoy it and take advantage...they are always cleaning those feathers so a good shower would be appreciated I think...I did see a fledgling duck and dive into the wrong cavity during a rain storm, he got into the tunnel and realized he was not in his cavity and froze in place (it was vacant). Tail feathers and wing tips sticking out...he very slowly disappeared, turned around and just poked his beak out until it ended.

Toy, we have a green cheek conure who adores baths; he'll take three or four a day. Ducks his head under the water and dives around. He once dove into a cup of water (they are tiny birds) my wife was raising to drink from...she had to fish him out. I think he would drown in the shower although he likes the indirect spray.

[Archer]

I too, think they like it. The Amazon rainy season is from January to June. Most of the time they are away, they are having daily downpours, they probably miss them when they are here.

[C.C.Martins]

oh yes, didnt think of that! i suppose they do miss it.

[flyin-lowe]

Most forget that the only time martins are typically in cavities is when they are nesting up here. The rest of their lives are spent in trees and exposed to the elements.

[PMTOM]

What awesome little birds and an awesome read! you learn something new every day. The fact that the Martins spends their days exploring the elements is just outstanding!