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by Halskiisaklink on January 20th, 2007

Halskiisaklink

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Why do birds preen themselves?

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Answers. 5 helpful answers below.

  • by scubabob on January 20th, 2007

    scubabob

    Removing old feathers, oiling existing ones from a gland at the base of the tail and popping open pin feathers. Pin's are uncomfortable to a bird, they are new feathers about to emerge from a hard, protective sheath.

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  • by blessings on January 20th, 2007

    blessings

    Three reasons.

    Waterfowl do it to keep from getting water logged. Literaly. They have oil glands that secrete an oil to coat their feathers and repel water to some degree, and preening helps to distribute it.

    They and all others do it to smooth ruffled feathers, open 'pin' feathers, and increase aerodynamics.

    And finally, they all do it to remove parasites.

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  • by Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin on January 20th, 2007

    Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin

    because you never know when you will be on "Avian Idol" or when Roger Tory Peterson will take your picture.

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  • by Universe Of Life on January 20th, 2007

    Universe Of Life

    Why do humans wash their hair?

    To keep clean and keep the lice away

    This is how the birds do it

    and to keep the feathers waterproof

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  • by Desiree_G8990 on April 21st, 2011

    Desiree_G8990

    Removing old feathers, oiling existing ones from a gland at the base of the tail and popping open pin feathers. Pin's are uncomfortable to a bird, they are new feathers about to emerge from a hard, protective sheath.

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