The drinking patterns of dogs, cats and pigeons are studied.

Other than a few cartoon versions, dogs, cats, and pigeons can’t pick up a glass and knock back its contents. So, how do they stay hydrated?

Surprisingly, until high speed cameras became available, nobody knew for sure.

In the case of dogs, at first it looked like they turned their tongues into big ladles and scooped the water up. After more careful observation, scientists realized the tongue’s surface actually holds the water. It does so just long enough for them to pull it into their mouth, snap their jaws shut, and swallow.

Cats do the same thing, only they’re neater and more efficient about it – they take in more and spill less.

Pigeons, on the other hand, use their beaks like straws to suck the water up. Even among birds, this is an unusual way to grab a quick beverage.

Also extraordinary, is that pigeons have been known to team up and learn how to operate a drinking fountain.

One of the weirdest drinking habits around belongs to a specific species of bee. They gain sustenance by ingesting human tears and sweat.