Washington State University’s resident feline scientist, Dr. Universe, answers a fascinating question from Maybelle, 11, of Alaska: How do birds drink?
With help from WSU veterinarian Dr. Marcie Logsdon, Dr. Universe explains that while most birds scoop water into their lower beaks and tip their heads back to swallow, different species have evolved remarkable adaptations for staying hydrated. Readers discover how pigeons and doves drink by suction, why swallows can grab a sip while flying, and how seabirds remove excess salt after drinking seawater.
The story also explores how many birds of prey and baby birds get most of their water directly from their food, why pigeons, flamingos, and emperor penguins produce a nutrient-rich “crop milk” for their young, and how sandgrouse fathers use specialized belly feathers like flying sponges to carry water across miles of desert for their chicks.
Along the way, Dr. Universe introduces young readers to the incredible diversity of bird adaptations, showing how evolution has shaped different drinking strategies to match the environments where birds live.
Ask Dr. Universe is a science education project from WSU that answers real questions from curious kids around the world. Readers and listeners can submit their own questions and explore more columns, videos, and the Ask Dr. Universe podcast online.
