Stuff To Blow Your Mind From the Vaults: A Case of the Urine Sweats
Nov 25, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of urohidrosis, where birds brilliantly cool their legs by urinating on them! Discover how thermoregulation affects avian behavior and physiology. Learn why storks and other species choose this unique method over panting, plus fascinating comparisons to seals and even humans in wetsuits. Explore environmental factors influencing this phenomenon and enjoy some mythical tales that tie it all together. It's a wild journey through nature's clever adaptations!
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Birds Use Poop To Cool Down
- Urohidrosis is birds deliberately excreting onto their legs as a thermoregulation behavior.
- It uses evaporative cooling from liquid excreta to lower leg and body temperature.
Behavior First, Physiology Second
- Endotherms rely on behavioral responses first to avoid costly physiological cooling.
- Heat-dissipating behaviors conserve water and energy compared with panting or other physiological adjustments.
Legs Act As Thermal Radiators
- Storks have well-vascularized, unfeathered legs that act as thermal radiators.
- They deliberately direct liquid excreta onto one leg at a time to promote evaporative cooling.
