Blackbird gaping to keep cool

It was a hot sunny day. I noticed a female blackbird in the front garden gaping and spreading its wings to keep cool.

The blackbird was sitting in the shade of the buddleia bush, in an exposed position. I have witnessed this behaviour on quite a few occasions, once even in the shade of trees in the middle of a park.

The beak was open wide and it appeared to be panting, both designed to reduce the birds internal body temperature.


I was a bit concerned because there are several cats who pass through our garden as well as our own. However, after a while a passer by, walking noisily along the path the other side of the buddleia disturbed the blackbird and it flew off.