Winter Roosting

Flock of various Grackles,  Quiscalus

The approach of cold weather results in a number of bird species to gather together in large communal flocks. Some of the more common species include the Common Grackle, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Snow Goose, and sometimes even Blue Jays to name but a few. This flocking behavior is not sudden, but rather the gradual congregation of smaller groups into larger ones. This begins early fall and reaches a peak during mid-winter. There are two main explanations for flocking together: enhanced foraging success and reduced predation. With less time spent finding food and avoiding predators, foraging success can vastly increase. When in large flocks predator detection is higher, chance of death lower, and "strength in numbers" may deter predation. The behavorial dynamics of a winter flock are influenced by food availability, familiarity, and overall composition as not all flocks are composed of a single species.