Staff at Schoenbrunn zoo in Vienna have been forced to put up notices to reassure visitors after their south American Seriema birds caused a few ruffled feathers.

The sun loving birds often lie on their backs with their feathers ruffled and eyes closed to enjoy the weather.

Unfortunately, however, the pose has led to a number of visitors reporting that the birds have died.

Zoo Director Dagma Schratter said: "The sight of the poor bird lying in the sun with its feet pointed up in the air is alarming many visitors -- we want to tell them that they don't need to worry.

"As soon as the sun comes out the Seriema can't wait to lie on the ground and spread out its wings to enjoy the sunshine just like anybody else.

"On hot days we have had often angry visitors complaining that we are leaving the dead birds there. But they don't need to worry. In fact many birds like the sun, although it is unusual for them to enjoy it in quite this position."

"We tell people to just wait until a cloud comes along and the seriemas soon get back up on their feet and go about their regular business again".

MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CEN / Europics / Rex Features