Cormorants, like many other birds, wiggle their throats as a way to cool themselves down. This behavior is known as gular fluttering or gular pumping. It involves the rapid movement of air in and out of their throat tissues, creating a vibrating or shaking motion.
The primary purpose of gular fluttering is to facilitate evaporative cooling. When birds pump air back and forth in their system, it increases the surface area of moist tissues in their throat. This, in turn, enhances the evaporation of moisture from these surfaces, leading to a cooling effect.
Evaporative cooling is an incredibly efficient mechanism for regulating body temperature in birds. As the air passes over the moist tissues, heat is transferred from the bird’s body to the surrounding environment. This helps to dissipate excess heat and maintain a stable body temperature, especially during hot weather or strenuous activities.
I have personally observed cormorants engaging in gular fluttering while resting on tree branches near a lake during a hot summer day. It was fascinating to see how they would rhythmically shake their throats, almost like they were vibrating. It seemed like a natural and instinctive way for them to stay cool in the heat.
Gular fluttering is particularly important for birds like cormorants that spend a significant amount of time in and around water. These birds have a higher risk of overheating due to their wet feathers, which can inhibit the evaporation of moisture from their bodies. By wiggling their throats, they can enhance the cooling process and prevent overheating.
It is worth noting that not all bird species engage in gular fluttering. It is more commonly observed in species that are exposed to high temperatures or have a higher risk of heat stress. Birds that live in arid or tropical regions, where heat can be a major challenge, are more likely to exhibit this behavior.
Cormorants wiggle their throats, or engage in gular fluttering, as a way to cool themselves down through evaporative cooling. By rapidly pumping air back and forth in their throat tissues, they increase the surface area of moist surfaces, leading to enhanced evaporation and heat dissipation. This behavior is particularly important for birds that spend time in or around water, as it helps them regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.