Quck answer
Birds can get drunk by eating fermented berries. Fermentation happens when yeast and bacteria break down sugar in fruits and create alcohol. Birds do not have a liver that can process alcohol, so even a small amount can intoxicate them. Some birds, such as waxwings and robins, are known to get drunk on fermented berries. They may exhibit unusual behavior, such as flying into windows or falling off branches. While it may seem amusing, getting drunk can be dangerous for birds as they can become disoriented and vulnerable to predators. It is important to discourage birds from eating fermented berries by removing them from your yard or covering them with netting.
Wild Animals
A cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), possibly under the influence of fermented berries. Conrad Tan/Getty Images
In October 2018, Gilbert, Minnesota witnessed an unusual spectacle which made national headlines. A group of Gilbert residents were advised by the police chief to be wary of birds. Why? Because they were behaving erratically, possibly due to intoxication.
This phenomenon is not uncommon. Cedar waxwings, blackbirds, and thrushes like robins and jays are known to consume berries from trees like juniper, rowan, and holly when insects are scarce. Berries are naturally rich in sugar, and when they ferment, they turn into alcoholic delights. Birds, however, have a low tolerance for alcohol, and their livers cannot process it quickly enough. Consequently, they exhibit disorientation, lose their fear of predators and humans, and may even collide with windows or cars. Gilbert residents noticed a change in bird behavior, but the bird experts suggest that it may not be due to the fermentation of berries. They speculate that the birds might have been migrating through the area in large numbers.
Although drunk birds might seem amusing, it can be detrimental. Alcohol poisoning and accidental deaths are not uncommon in birds. If you come across a bird that you suspect to be intoxicated, you can help by handling it gently with a towel and placing it in a dark and quiet box until it recovers. After all, you would do the same for a friend!
Now That’s Interesting
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers, a type of woodpecker, can get intoxicated from consuming fermented tree sap.
FAQ
1. How do birds get drunk on berries?
Birds get drunk on berries because some berries contain a natural fermentation process that turns sugars into alcohol. When birds eat these fermented berries, they consume the alcohol and can become intoxicated. This is especially common in late summer and early fall when berries are ripening and the weather is warm.
2. What are the effects of birds getting drunk?
When birds get drunk, they can experience a range of effects similar to those experienced by humans. These effects can include loss of coordination, difficulty flying, and decreased inhibitions. Intoxicated birds may also be more vocal than usual and may exhibit unusual behaviors.
3. Are there any risks to birds getting drunk on berries?
While getting drunk on berries may seem like a fun activity for birds, it can actually be quite dangerous. Intoxicated birds may be more vulnerable to predators or may be more likely to fly into windows or other obstacles. In addition, long-term alcohol consumption can have negative health effects on birds, just as it does for humans.
4. Do all birds get drunk on berries?
No, not all birds get drunk on berries. Some species are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than others, and some birds may be able to metabolize alcohol more efficiently than others. In addition, not all berries contain the natural fermentation process that leads to alcohol production.
5. Can birds become addicted to alcohol?
While there is no evidence to suggest that birds can become addicted to alcohol in the same way that humans can, repeated exposure to fermented berries can lead to habituation. Habituation occurs when an animal becomes accustomed to a particular stimulus and no longer responds to it in the same way. In the case of birds and fermented berries, habituation could lead to birds consuming more and more alcohol over time.
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