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Why birds do not fall while sleeping

(news.cnrs.fr)
230 points mdp2021 | 4 comments | 15 Oct 24 08:56 UTC | HN request time: 0.445s | source
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weinzierl ◴[17 Oct 24 06:58 UTC] No.41867107[source]▶
"The mechanism’s passive character is surprising"

Are they saying that birds are in a stable equilibrium while standing? I always assumed that some low level activity in the Cerebellum would actively stabilize them even during sleep.

If this is not the case, a dead parrot should be perfectly able to stand, right?

replies(2): >>41867151 #>>41867218 #
1. ahoka ◴[17 Oct 24 07:08 UTC] No.41867151[source]▶
Only if it's a Norwegian Blue, as far as I know.
replies(2): >>41867472 #>>41867571 #
2. cheschire ◴[17 Oct 24 08:15 UTC] No.41867472[source]▶
Though in that particular case it may in fact be the nails in its feet causing the phenomenon.
3. louthy ◴[17 Oct 24 08:35 UTC] No.41867571[source]▶
Lovely plumage
replies(1): >>41869133 #
4. e40 ◴[17 Oct 24 12:43 UTC] No.41869133[source]▶
Burma!