WHY DO BIRDS PREEN THEIR FEATHERS?
Feathers give birds protection against water as well as hot and cold weather. Birds oil their feathers using oil from the preen gland, located above their tails. When they preen themselves, birds pick up the oil with their beaks and give their feathers a new lease of life. Oil offers aquatic birds a much needed waterproof coating, which is essential for survival in water environments.
Secondly, they remove feather parasites through preening. Apart from being a health hazard, feather parasites, in reality, eat up the feathers and make birds less efficient in flight.
Thirdly, feathers are made up of barbs that hook with each other like zippers. While undertaking vigorous activity during the day such as flight or catching food, the barbs may come apart. During preening the bird makes the barbs hook up again, which helps the feathers to have more lift. Birds give the flight feathers on the wings and tail special attention.
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