This Juvenile Magpie Robin was found spreading its wings and tail feathers at 2.26pm hot 35ºc afternoon sun. It stays there for about 2 minutes, oblivious of my camera.
Why bird sunbathing?. Ornithologist have their own theories:
1. Feather maintenance - helping dislodge feather parasites - eg. Fleas, lice, and ticks.
2. To reduce the amount of metabolic energy to maintain a constant body temperature of around 40ºC.
3. Ultra-violet sunlight is involved in vitamin D conversion.
4. or just a feel-good factor.
Juvenile Magpie Robin sunbathes. The temperature was so hot that it was seen here panting with open bills.
References:
1. EcoBirds
2. Secret life of common bird. link here
4 comments:
He is really frolicking in that sun, how wonderful and a great shot.
The juvenile is having a good exercise.
Excellant post Tabib and very nice photograph. Living in the UK i cannot image what temperatures of 40C are like.
Excellent shot from such a low angle, Tabib ! you must be on your belly?
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