Because birds live outdoors, there's an assumption that they're dirty and harbor many insect pests among their feathers. But this is very wide of the mark: Birds are as clean as cats, spending almost ...

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 ...

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.

Researchers and volunteers in Texas documented birds of different species preening one another. Experts say the behavior may be more common than documented. By Clarissa Brincat On Feb. 4, 2023, in ...