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WeatherMinds: An ode to the chickadee

Studies show they can lose up to 10% of their body weight through the night as they shiver to stay warm.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — This is an ode to the black-capped chickadee. This tiny little bird not only survives, but thrives in our harsh winters. An impressive feat for something that weighs less than an ounce. So how do they do it?

First off, they can eat half their weight in seeds and bugs in a day. Each night, chickadees go into a regulated hypothermia, which means they actually lower their body temperature by as much as 15 degrees to conserve energy.

Studies show they can lose up to 10% of their body weight through the night as they shiver to stay warm. That’s the equivalent of a 150-pound human spending the night outside, then waking up 15 pounds lighter.

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