Birds often become intoxicated after eating fermented fruit or berries. In Germany, a brown owl became drunk on schnapps and stood in traffic until a wildlife rescuer put him in rehab. Photo from Metro Creative
EXPLORING NATURE: DRUNK BIRDS
Birds sometimes become intoxicated and exhibit drunken behavior.
My first experience with drunk birds came in Rock Hill, S. C. A local bootlegger just outside town was careless with his fermented mash and a number of chickens pecked up a substantial amount. Unfortunately for the bootlegger, the local sheriff discovered the illegal still after spotting the chickens. Closer to home, I have seen cedar waxwings consume fermented pyracantha berries and wobble around a bit inebriated. Robins will also get high on sugar-rich berries that naturally ferment.
The German news magazine ‘Der Spiegel’ once ran an article titled “German Police Pick up Drunken Owl.” It told about a brown owl found standing in the middle of a road, looking dazed and with one eyelid drooping. Nearby were two discarded bottles of schnapps which the owl had partaken of. The owl was treated by a wildlife rehabber and released stone cold sober into the wild.
In Gilbert, Minn., dozens of drunk cedar waxwings collided with windows and cars over the course of a few autumn days.
Birds seldom are seriously injured while intoxicated, but there is always the tragic chance of accidental death.
Thankfully, unlike humans, the drunken birds can’t get in a car and drive.
