[blakestyger]

Whilst in a traffic queue today I watched some Rooks walking about on a roundabout. When it takes a step forward with one leg the Rook's head moves down and then comes up between steps so it looks like it's nodding when it walks. Starlings do it too and Moorhens do it when they swim but Blackbirds don't do it at all, though they do tend to walk faster (run?).
This must expend energy and cause joint wear on the bird for no apparent good reason - so why is this?

[neilep]

Great Question.


Someone here asked an equally brilliant question a few years ago...I donlt know who it was but I did find the link to the answer that Dr Chris gave back then. Though, the questioner was asking specifically about pigeons !

Here's the link...scroll down for Dr Chris's answer !

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=1144.0

[blakestyger]

Thanks neilep, a really good explanation - well remembered.