tags: birds, sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus, ornithology, Image of the Day
This thermal image of sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus.
shows that these birds are well insulated, with only their eyes and one leg losing heat.
Staff at London Zoo say this unique insight shows how animals regulate their body temperatures, and could be used to diagnose illness.
Image: Steve Lowe [larger view].
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Hotheads.
Scarlet ibis? I don't know; it looks at least plausible that they're sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus.
More thermal pics here:
https://www.zsl.org/info/media/press-releases/press-images,770,AR.html
I can't help thinking that the legs are a sort of internal control. When both are down (see bird closest to camera(wo)man), both show thermal radiation. So either they can reduce blood flow to the leg they're not using and/or the plumage is a good enough insulator to insulate the thermal radiation when the leg is tucked away.