Scientists discovered that the preen oil gland secretions, by which all aquatic birds make their feathers waterproof, support a natural mechanism that concentrates AIVs from water onto birds' bodies.

Feathers are of ultimate importance to birds — crucial for flying, protection from rain, heat and cold and, during nesting season, attracting mates and defending territories. No wonder, then, that ...

In birds, preening helps maintain feather health and hygiene. Allopreening in the process of one bird preening another. Allopreening helps access difficult-to-reach spots to keep feathers well groomed ...

I thought my cat was bad. The incessant licking to keep himself clean. He’s got to be the cleanest cat ever. Then I watched a northern mockingbird preening itself. It went on for as long as I could ...

Preening allows birds to remove dirt and parasites from their feathers while maintaining waterproofing and overall feather health. Learn why this behavior is essential for birds. #BirdBehavior ...

Bruce, a partially beak-less Kea parrot, is giving the term "bird brained" new meaning by wow-ing scientists with his innovative self-care tools. Animal Minds/University of Auckl Bruce, a partially ...

Believe it or not, backyard birds love a bit of disco dancing – if you’ve got the right dirt. Here’s how to set up a dust ...

Source: Jonathan Webb, used with permission. Pictured above is Bruce. Bruce is a kea (Nestor notabilis), a species of alpine parrot native to New Zealand. He’s eight years old and lives at the ...

We are likely all familiar with preening, the well-known and important bird behavior that helps maintain feather health and hygiene. But what is allopreening? Put simply, allopreening is birds ...