Page 34 - ODO 2024 JanFeb online version
P. 34
USFWS/TED CC-BYSA4
Canada geese conserve heat by tucking legs and feet, and by tucking bills under feathers.
TUCKING FEET AND BILLS
Have you ever wondered how birds keep
their legs warm? Waterfowl species circu- ANDRE ALBUqUERqUE/FLICKR CC BYNC 2
late blood through a countercurrent heat
exchange, isolating the blood that flows in
their legs rather than circulating it throughout
their entire bodies. This helps to keep their
body temperatures higher.
Birds also have specialized scales on their
feet and legs that help minimize heat loss.
Many ducks, geese, pelicans, gulls, and
swans further conserve body heat by stand-
ing on one leg or even sitting down. Canada
geese tuck their bills under their back feathers,
keeping their bills warm while also increasing
breathing efficiency by taking in warmer air.
Waterfowl, such as this male wood duck, often bury their bills under their wings to
minimize heat loss.
32 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA
