Thermodynamic Drinking Bird

by xUmp.com Item#: 10179

11 customer reviews

Almost everyone remembers this hard to find toy with at least a twinge of nostalgia. Now, the ‘Drinking Bird’ is back, disguised as a great demonstration of thermodynamics.

When the head of the bird is moistened with water it will repeatedly tip over and appear to be drinking from a cup placed in front of it. The dunking is due to the evaporating water, which cools the head reducing the pressure of the gas inside. The liquid inside the bird rises up from his tail towards his head, causing the bird to tip and appear to be drinking. As the bird dunks, the liquid returns to its tail, and the process begins again. In essence this is a small, cleverly designed thermodynamic engine which only needs water to run!

Features:

Classic, nostalgic toy
Appears to drink from a cup of water
Demonstrates a lesson in thermodynamics
Must-have for science teachers
Ultimate desk toy
Runs without batteries

WARNING: This product is not a toy and is not intended for use by children under 8 years of age. Use under adult supervision. Avoid breaking glass, contains methelene chloride and may stain clothing and other surfaces. Do not swallow or allow to come into contact with eyes. Flammable. Keep away from flame and other heat sources.

Age:
8 +

Box Size:
7.00 x 2.00 x 2.00 inches
17.78cm x 5.08cm x 5.08cm

Weight:
0 lb 3 oz
0.09 kg

Warning:
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.
CHEMICAL HAZARD
Contains chemicals which may be harmful if misused. Read cautions on individual containers carefully. Not to be used by children except under ADULT SUPERVISION.

Customer Reviews

Warren H Hudson from USA VIRGINIA Henry
Bought it for grand kid's for science project works great

J.S. from ASTORIA, NY
Just as I expected seen them many times these go back to the 1950’s

Drinking Bird
Undisclosed Verified Buyer
Very entertaining. A big hit with the kids.

Just as I remembered
Tim from PENNSYLVANIA
We had one back in the 70s when I was real young and I always thought it was the coolest thing. Never understood how it worked but if you keep the water full it will go forever!

Mary. from Nebraska
Brought back wonderful memories!

So cool
Marty from Qld, Australia
Works well once set up properly. Just keeps going and going!

now in new foam packaging
Bill C from Cincinnati
I've been featuring the drinking bird in my office and library science demonstrations for 20 years. With wear and tear the felt seems to loosen from the glass head. This recent purchase looks to be the same design and works out of the box quite well. It may require a bit of tweaking the glass neck height in the metal collar to get him to really rock. The box is now quite sturdy and the internal foam packing makes storage and moving very secure. I am happy to have received this new flock of the classic species.

Undisclosed Verified Buyer
Just like I remember from my youth! Worked perfectly.

Undisclosed Verified Buyer
fun

cute but will get broken fast
Diane from Istanbul
works, impresses the ones watching, but will get broken FAST!

Nice Little Diversion
Jim from Chula Vista, CA
Fun to watch the liquid heat up and move up the tube. The head keeps getting stuck in the down position. May have to tweak the height of the glass.