Thermodynamic Drinking Bird

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.

Customer Reviews

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  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.

  

Just like I remember from my youth! Worked perfectly.

  

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.