Program Results

Introduction to the event

Birds utilize sand bathing to remove parasites, dust, and excess oil. While taking a sand bath, birds roll or move around in loose sand particles, wriggle their bodies, and flap their wings. Sand bathing is common in birds, but the mechanics are not well-understood. In this experimental investigation, we collect videos of sand bathing to characterize the frequency and amplitude from hummingbirds to ostriches. We found that bathing frequency decreases with body size. A hummingbird of 0.01 kg flaps in sand at 5 Hz, while an ostrich of 100 kg flaps in sand at 0.5 Hz. For birds that can fly, the flapping frequency in sand is three times slower than that in air. We hypothesized that flapping frequency varies with both body size and the properties of the media. This study will inspire eco-friendly cleaning methods in the dry-cleaning industry.

Mechanics of Sand Bathing in Birds. 9th World Congress of Biomechanics 2022