I saw a toy bird dip its beak into water, upright itself, and continuosly repeat this action. What's its name

Question

This toy was a popular feature in midwest tavern back- bars in the forties. Just what made it work generated much conversation, I never what it was called or who manufactured it. Any ideas?

Answer 1

the bobbing bird toy is a cool thermodynamics experiment and it is driven by evaporative cooling of the bird's beak

the fluid in the bird will alternately boil and condense, shifting the weight in the bird body causing it to alternately dip and undip the bill

Answer 2

Albert the Bobbing Bird

Answer 3

These are frequently referred to as "dippy birds," but go by other names ("drinking birds," etc.). They work through methylene chloride being condensed in the cooler, "wicked" section of the bird's head, from the cooling caused by evaporation. See references below for more information.