19 September 2025
Preening is absolutely necessary for birds as a result of it’s the one method to preserve their feathers in tip-top situation. They use their beaks to take away filth and parasites, waterproof their feathers with preen oil, interlock feather barbules, and set every feather in its correct place. To achieve all (*) their feathers, their necks must be very versatile.
Yesterday Carla, the feminine peregrine at Univ. of Pittsburgh, spent a number of hours preening in entrance of the nestbox. Generally she seemed like a contortionist.
Within the photograph beneath, can you discover her head and beak? They aren’t the place you suppose they’re.
Numerous wonderful strikes within the slideshow beneath.
snapshot pictures from the Nationwide Aviary snapshot digital camera at Univ of Pittsburgh
“Ahhhh,” says Carla, “It feels good to stretch!”
(*) p.s. The one feathers birds can not attain on their very own are those on high of their heads. That’s the place they want a buddy to assist. It’s known as allopreening.
