(no subject)

[jgrafton]

Dear LazyWeb,

Why do birds bob their heads when they walk? I'm not sure all birds do it (not all birds walk), but pigeons do at least (and I think seagulls do too).

I have two theories, though I have no idea if either is correct.

1. It helps their vision. At least with my test case (the pigeon) its eyes are on the side of its head, so moving its head as it walks may help with depth perception or something.

2. It helps them keep balance - I'm guessing their legs are less useful and/or responsive compared to, say, humans, and so the bobbing motion may help keep them from falling over.

Anyone wish to enlighten me?

Comments

[chrisamaphone]

google says your first conjecture was right.

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20050420/Note3.asp

[jgrafton]

Aha, thank you!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_tove/]

Indeed, it is the perpetual pigeon parallax dance!