Behavioral adjustments have developed into very complex interactions between parents and young, entire flocks, or between an individual and the environment. They complement many of the physiological and morphological adaptations, and in some respects outweigh their contributions to the bird's survival, as Repasky hypothesized when physiological predictions didn't accurately portray the limitations on birds' possible habitats. The selection of a microclimate and nesting site determine the amount of sunlight and wind to which the bird and its chicks are exposed. For a bird that spends the majority of its time on land, instead of in the air or in water, it is important for the bird to select a favorable thermal environment. In response to temperature extremes, species will become cavity nesters or nest in protective vegetation.
Water birds take full advantage of water's cooling potential.
This behavior allows them to enter the water at high tide while remaining close enough to their young to protect them from their neighbors. They can also entice their young into the water to help both parent and young to keep cool. In conjunction with this mechanism, they become less conspecific as the need to stay cool increases. Other behavioral adaptations are designed to reduce exposed surface area. Another thermoregulatory behavior is flight.