Seabirds, specifically streaked shearwaters, poop every four to 10 minutes while in flight. Researchers from the University of Tokyo discovered this behavior while studying the birds' takeoff patterns. They found that defecation events typically occurred after takeoff, with some birds taking off solely to relieve themselves. The practice likely serves to prevent feather fouling and may also reduce predator attraction. This significant finding sheds light on the birds' excretion rhythm, although the underlying reasons remain unclear.
According to a team from the University of Tokyo, the animals poo every four to 10 minutes. However, the birds only 'go' while airborne - so if you want to avoid getting splattered, it's best to steer clear of any birds overhead.
The team recorded and analysed nearly 200 'defecation events' and found that the birds almost always relieved themselves while flying. Defecation also often followed shortly after takeoff.
Occasionally, the birds took off solely for bathroom breaks and returned to the water within a minute. This suggests they intentionally avoid pooping while floating, the scientists said.
The researchers suspect this habit may spare the birds from fouling their feathers with faeces, help them avoid attracting predators, or simply help the birds poop more easily compared to a floating position.
Collection
[
|
...
]