Magpie behaviour

[Chris Melrose <>]

Hi all 

I’ve seen this behaviour in Magpies, Grey Butcherbirds and Noisey Miners around my place in Sydney. I’ve understood it’s a way of the birds to fluff out their feathers and allow heat into all layers in order to get rid of mites. They will also sit on a stationary object and bend their necks over so feathers are fully exposed to sunlight. If on the ground sand seems to be the preferred substrate to lay upon.

 While doing this behaviour the birds are aware but seem to be in some sort of torpor but can become fully alert if approached. 

I’d also like to know if research has been done on this topic. 

Cheers (and Happy Holidays)

Christine Melrose

On 21 Dec 2018, at 18:32, Experience the Wild <> wrote:

I’ve seen Pied Butcherbirds do this too.

 

Mike Jarvis

 

From: Birding-Aus <m("birding-aus.org","birding-aus-bounces");">> On Behalf Of m("bigpond.com","jackwat");">
Sent: Friday, 21 December 2018 4:00 PM
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Subject: [Birding-Aus] Magpie behaviour

 

Hi, Does anybody out there know why magpies (sample photo attached on one caught at home) lie in the full sun on the hottest days in summer sometimes for 15 to 20 minutes. Some cooling mechanism?  Any journal articles available?

 

Many thanks

 

David in Blackheath

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