I saw a bird yesterday that was very thirsty. It was caught inside our screened-in porch. The little thing was flying up against the screen, wearing itself out in the heat, and its little beak was open--and it looked as though it was "panting."

But I don't think that's the word that should be applied to birds.

What is the word that would describe a bird, with an open beak--a bird that appears to be hot and thirsty?

We rescued it, by the way. Gently encouraged it to move along the screen with a broom--without really touching it. And it flew to freedom once it found the open door.

I found it interesting that it kept its little consciousness on the screen toward the yard, and never once appeared to try to enter through a window.

Best regards,
WW