Summary[
edit] Description: What Is Preening? Preening is a bird's way of grooming its feathers to keep them in the best condition. While preening, birds will remove dust, dirt and parasites from their feathers and align each feather in the optimum position relative to adjacent feathers and body shape. Most birds will preen several times a day to keep themselves healthy. The uropygial gland, or preen gland, is an essential part of preening. This gland is found near the base of the tail and produces an oily substance that contains diester waxes that help waterproof feathers and keep them flexible. While preening, birds spread this oil to each feather so they are evenly coated and protected. Some types of birds, including owls, pigeons, parrots and hawks, lack a uropygial gland. Instead, these birds have specialized feathers that disintegrate into powder down, which serves the same purpose as preen oil. Birds that produce powder down are less likely to bathe or immerse themselves in water and do not require the stronger waterproofing that preen oil provides. Date: 20 January 2017, 09:33. Source:
Pied Shag preening.(Phalacrocorax varius). Author:
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand. Camera location
43° 34′ 15.97″ S, 172° 46′ 16.32″ E View all coordinates using:
OpenStreetMap-43.571102; 172.771199.