BirdNote Daily Preening 101
Jan 25, 2026
A concise dive into how birds keep their feathers healthy through preening. Short scenes describe the beak techniques that align feather barbules and remove dirt and parasites. The role of the preen gland and feather oil is explained. Clever strategies for reaching the head and neck, including mutual grooming, are highlighted.
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Preening Is The Primary Feather Care
- Birds spend lots of time keeping their feathers in top condition using behaviors like bathing and sunning.
- Preening is the primary method that realigns tiny barbules and removes dirt and parasites.
How Birds Preen Feathers Effectively
- Grip a feather near its base and slide the beak toward the tip to smooth barbules and clear debris.
- This simple motion restores feather structure and helps remove small parasites.
Oil Keeps Feathers Supple
- Feathers become brittle if they dry out because oils keep them supple.
- Most birds have a gland above the tail that produces oil to prevent brittleness.