Laxability
Cormorant Spread-Wing Posture
Some birds, like cormorants, adopt postures where they spread their wings to dry them out, especially after being in the water.
The structure of cormorant feathers decreases buoyancy and thus facilitates underwater pursuit of fishes. Hence their plumage is not water-repellent, but "wettable." In addition to helping wing feathers to dry, other suggested functions for these postures include regulating body temperature ("thermoregulation"), realigning of feathers, forcing parasites into motion to ease their removal, and helping the perched bird to balance.
Cormorant Spread-Wing Posture
Some birds, like cormorants, adopt postures where they spread their wings to dry them out, especially after being in the water.
The structure of cormorant feathers decreases buoyancy and thus facilitates underwater pursuit of fishes. Hence their plumage is not water-repellent, but "wettable." In addition to helping wing feathers to dry, other suggested functions for these postures include regulating body temperature ("thermoregulation"), realigning of feathers, forcing parasites into motion to ease their removal, and helping the perched bird to balance.