Melody of Birds: Cooling down in summer

World
Europe

Summer is here, and it's getting hotter and hotter. What do you do in sweltering heat? Turn on the air conditioner and have iced cold drinks? Or take a chilling bath just like birds.

There are many ways for wild birds to chill during the scorching weather. They pant, play with water, and spread their feathers. Although birds don't have sweat glands, they have quite rapid respiration rates that dissipate heat just via breathing.

The bare patches on the legs and other body parts also allow birds to cool down fast. During the hot summer days, they like to stay in shady places near water and be more active when the sun is lower.

Here is a group of photos of birds playing with water, how cute.

European starling is bathing in water. /VCG Photo

Common Linnet male is bathing in the shallow water of the brook. /VCG Photo

Song Thrush adult is bathing in woodland pool. /VCG Photo

A couple of pigeons are cleaning their feathers. /VCG Photo

A red-billed Leiothrix is seen taking a bath. /VCG Photo

A leiothrix is playing with water. /VCG Photo

A yellow warbler is bathing. /VCG Photo

There are more charming bird photos under the theme of "Melody of Birds" coming, stay tuned!

(Top image via VCG)

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