As the mercury touched new highs this summer, we humans scrambled to cocoon ourselves in front of fans, coolers, and ACs, with ice creams in hand. But what if you were not allowed these luxuries, and had to be outdoors all day in searing heat? That’s what our birds and other creatures face. However, birds have adapted several features to beat the heat.
Panting – Many times you see birds sitting with their beaks open. They release heat energy through their open mouths via this way of perspiration.
Poop cooler – Some long-legged birds, like storks and herons, have an unusual method for harnessing the power of evaporative cooling: pooping on their legs. This faecal phenomenon, known as urohidrosis, lowers the birds’ body temperature as the moisture within the poop evaporates off their skin.
Splashing – Probably the most common sight at bird baths and waterbodies. Like us, birds are also warm-blooded. So, they create heat from their bodies instead of relying on their surroundings. Some of the wild birds in our backyard, including robins and crows, generate so much internal heat that their normal body temperatures run as hot as 42 degrees Celsius!
Fortunately, birds have some reliable ways to avoid overheating. One of the best methods for birds to cool off is through a quick soak. Having moist feathers allows heat to dissipate quickly from their bodies. Fountains, birdbaths and other water spots can become cooling oases for backyard birds when the heat gets too extreme.
Bare is better – Wading birds, such as egrets & ibises, have long, thin, featherless legs that make it easy to release heat from their bodies. When the blood circulates up and down their legs, heat dissipates through their skin. This natural method of thermoregulation gets a boost when the birds’ feet are submerged in cool water.
We can help our feathered birds by keeping bird baths in cool shaded areas, including a clay pot under the AC vents. You’ll see wide-mouthed pots filled with water kept throughout the colony. This and the garden baths kept by residents are great initiatives. Let’s all continue to care for creatures around us while we go and have another Lick-lolly.
Brahminy Myna Panting
