Body temperatures were measured and aspects of behavioral temperature regulation studied in neonate birds of several species [Turdus iliacus iliacus, Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis, Anser anser, Somateria mollisima mollisima, Tringa totanus totanus, Gallinago gallinago, Numenius phaeopus phaeopus, Pluvialis apricaria altifrons, Vanellus vanellus, Lyrurus tetrix tetrix, Lagopus lagopus] brooded in subarctic/arctic areas. The studies were performed during field and laboratory conditions. Subadult body temperatures were found in all chicks in the field and also in the chicks allowed to select ambient temperatures in a thermal gradient box. Apparently subadult neonate body temperature in birds is a normal physiological condition connected to a lowered thermoregulatory set point. That motor coordination was not impaired even at severe hypothermia apparently favors survival of the chicks in cold climates.