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Tuesday 6th Jan 2009

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Drinking Bird

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This little drinking bird is incredibly thirsty and mysterious! Wet his beak and he keeps bobbing and rocking until the liquid is gone. What strange force propels the drinking bird? Powered by thermodynamics ! By converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. This toy has been mystifying several generations.

The infamous drinking bird has been a popular toy among children and adults for years. Also a good desk or office toy for those slow days.

So, how does it work ? The head and lower body of the bird are hollow glass chambers that are connected by a glass tube. When the tube dips into the liquid (methylene chloride) in the lower body it allows the liquid to move up the tube when the temperature of the head is slightly cooler. The head is coated with red felt that absorbs water with every drink.

Evaporation, aided by the swinging motion, reduces the temperature of the head. The vapor from the liquid will then condense in the head which makes the pressure in the head slightly lower than in the body, and the liquid is pulled up the tube. The bird's center of gravity is altered as the liquid rises causing it to begin tilting toward the water and the bird takes a drink.

As the drinking bird tilts over, the liquid is eventually removed from the lower body and the lower portion of the tube. The vapor above the liquid then rushes up the tube which equalizes the pressure in the head and body. With this, the center of gravity returns to the lower body and with one swift motion, the bird swings back up away from the water. Are you confused now ?

Product item : 1 piece

Watch the infamous bird in action!

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Customer Reviews

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Ted Dane

Fascinating little thing. I have it on my desk at work and it sure is a conversation piece. Have to be real careful when setting it up as I believe the liquid stains if you break the glass.

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