Where do all the dead birds go?
The Secret Lives of departed birds
I visit my local park twice a week, I like going for hikes, and I even birdwatch when I hang out with my birdwatching friend (because he brings an extra pair of binoculars). But amidst all my activities that bring me closer to avian activity, there’s something conspicuously missing — dead birds! I can count on one hand the number of fallen birds I’ve seen in my multiple decades of existence. Why aren’t the streets paved with fallen birds? Where do all the dead birds go?
Theory 1: They migrate somewhere to die
Uhh, not sure — maybe they all go to New Zealand? Seems like a nice place.
Theory 2: Birds pick the most covert and remote spots for their final moments.
Maybe they go behind a bush, or choose to peace out while sunbathing in a little corner on a rooftop.
Theory 3: They do die but what are the odds of you seeing a dead bird?
With billions of birds flying around, the odds of spotting a fallen one are akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Plus there’s the cleanup crew (theory 6).
Theory 4: Birds kill and eat other birds
Turns out this is kinda true. Birds of prey are called raptors — and this includes eagles, hawks, kites, buzzards, harriers, falcons, shikras etc. While predation is a natural behavior for many bird species, it varies widely based on factors such as habitat, diet, and available prey. Additionally, not all bird species engage in this behavior, and many birds primarily feed on a diet of insects, seeds, fruits, or nectar. Regardless, the question is only partially answered — if raptors kill and eat other birds, where do the dead raptors go?
Theory 5: Animals kill and eat birds
Many animals, including mammals (cats, foxes, weasels etc), reptiles (snakes etc), and invertebrates (spiders etc), do kill and eat other birds. This is a crucial part of the food chains. Turns out there are even aquatic predators — some fish species, particularly those that live near the water's surface, may leap out of the water to catch birds flying low over the water. That’s wild.
Theory 6: Birds die but quickly get eaten up (I guess the most logical theory but being logical isn’t always fun)
Let’s not forget that nature operates by its own intricate rules. When a bird’s time comes, it becomes part of a profound process — the circle of decomposition. Fallen birds become the sustenance for a diverse cast of insects, scavengers, and microorganisms. The ground beneath them becomes a stage where their bodies transform into nutrients that nourish the soil and support the growth of new life. In a twist of irony, their departure gives new life (and also an answer to this article’s main question).
Conclusion
In a world where our eyes are accustomed to the extraordinary, it’s the ordinary that often eludes us. The art of bird disappearance, whether through natural selection or their trip to New Zealand, is a whimsical reminder of nature’s enigmatic ways. So, the next time you walk through the park and ponder the absence of fallen feathers, take a moment to appreciate the magic of their vanishing act.
And as usual, here’s a meme for you:
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