birdsoup

During a heat wave such as the one we have had, birds appreciate a cool drink of water.

Most birds do not drink water in the same way that humans do.  Humans can “suck up” water from a bowl like drinking through a straw.  Most bird can’t.  When a bird wants to drink water from a birdbath or a puddle, it lowers its beak below the water surface, lets it fill with water, then raises its head high to let the water trickle down into its throat.  

The key word the above paragraph is “most” because some birds can sip water.  In general, these are birds of the open ocean.  And surprisingly, Mourning Doves as well.  A mourning dove can lower its bill into water and just sip. 

 Next time you see birds drinking look for the different techniques.  A House Sparrow or Robin lowers and raises its beak.  But a Mourning Dove keeps its head down and you can see its throat pulse as it swallows water.