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Summary of Transcript:
The Alaska Sea Life Center has 65 birds that participate in splash baths to clean their feathers. These birds have down feathers which have a looser structure that helps capture air. During splash baths, the birds vigorously flap their wings, and their feathers stand on end, trapping a layer of air under their feathers. The birds also release air bubbles out of their feathers when underwater. Mother ducks pull down feathers from their body to line their nests, which helps keep their eggs warm.
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Summary of Description:
The Virtual Visit episode features Education Specialist Katie who answers questions about birds, including whether the bubbles that trail behind their body when they dive are the result of farting, what down feathers are, and how birds bathe. The episode is sponsored by Royal Caribbean Group.
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Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the bubbles that trail behind birds when they are diving? Or what are down feathers and how do birds bathe? Education Specialist Katie answers these questions and more in this Virtual Visit episode.
What are Down Feathers?
Down feathers are highly valued for their insulating properties. These soft, fluffy feathers are located close to a bird’s skin and trap air between the bird’s body and the environment. The down feathers keep birds warm in cold weather. Penguins, for example, have exceptionally good down feathers that keep them warm in the icy conditions of Antarctica.
How do Birds Bathe?
Birds pick up dust, dirt, and oil on their feathers, which can reduce their insulating properties. To clean their feathers, birds take baths. Birds splash around in bodies of water, and some species dive underwater to clean their feathers. Bathing is essential for the health and survival of birds. If their feathers aren’t clean and functioning properly, they can’t fly, insulate themselves from the cold, or escape predators.
Why do Birds Dive?
Some species of birds dive into bodies of water to catch fish or other prey. When a bird dives, it maintains its speed until it reaches the water. The bubbles that trail behind the bird are actually created by the air trapped between feathers as they enter the water. The bubbles help to reduce the bird’s buoyancy and enable it to dive deeper. These bubbles are often mistaken for flatulence, but they are formed as a result of the bird’s diving technique.
Conclusion
In conclusion, down feathers are essential for keeping birds warm in cold weather, and bathing is crucial for maintaining the health and insulating properties of their feathers. When birds dive, the bubbles that trail behind them are not from farting but rather from the air trapped between the feathers as they enter the water. Understanding these aspects of birds’ lives can help us understand their behaviors and needs so that we can better protect and preserve them in their natural habitats. And we once again thank Royal Caribbean Group for making this episode possible.
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See Original Source
Source Description
When birds dive, are those bubbles that trail behind their body from farting?
What are down feathers?
How do birds bathe?
Learn the answers to these questions and more from Education Specialist Katie in today’s Virtual Visit!
This “Virtual Visit” episode is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you Royal Caribbean Group for making this free program possible!
splash bath,down feathers,birds bathing,bird bath,bird education,bird facts,wildlife education,wildlife lesson,bird lesson
