Feathers wear with time and use and birds preen these using preening oil that is secreted from the preening glands. However, any excess oil on bird feathers may be a hindrance in smooth flight. To overcome this, birds indulge in dust baths. Dust absorbs excess oil from the feathers and prevents the feathers from getting greasy. Oil-soaked dust can easily be shed when birds shake their bodies and flight feathers. This also removes any parasites like lice, feather mites etc. This Common Hoopoe was recently seen indulging in dust bath by Jim’s Jungle Retreat guests on a safari to Corbett Tiger Reserve with our naturalist Jeewan Routela.
The Delicate Rituals of Birds in Corbett Tiger Reserve
