Preening

Wildlife watching is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. This Eco-tourism activity has enjoyed steady growth all over the world, particularly over the last two decades. Not only do people enjoy seeing critters, both in the wild as well as in controlled environments, such as zoos or game preserves, but there has also been a growing trend in the direction of adventures allowing people to unobtrusively observe wildlife interaction and behavior.

However, not all observations of wildlife behavior need to involve extensive travel to the wilderness or zoo, many aspects of behavior can be seen close to home and with very little effort. One such behavior is preening.

American white pelicans gather on a sandbar to preen. (David A. Murray photo)

What’s preening?

Preening is a term that relates specifically to birds. Although the broad dictionary definition of preening could apply to similar behaviors for other species, in the general context referring to wildlife, it relates to feathered critters – birds.

As we all know, birds are everywhere. Therefore, observing preening behavior can be as simple as closely watching the birds around your backyard bird feeder and birdbath. Most birds, with only a few exceptions, preen themselves. The purpose of preening can be for a few different reasons, however, the technique and end result are always similar.

The method of preening is achieved by the bird reaching back with its beak or bill to an oil gland located on the back near the base of the tail. The secretions from this preen gland are accessed by the bird’s beak or bill and then spread throughout the bird’s feathers.

Birds have hundreds of feathers, and the preening behavior is used for varying reasons and results. One reason a bird preens is to disseminate the oil throughout the feathers. This not only coats the feathers and maintains a “waterproofing” for the bird, but it also helps keep the feathers clean. As the bird runs or “combs” the feathers through its beak or bill, the dirt and dust stick to the beak or bill and clean the feathers; with hundreds of feathers to keep clean, this is an ongoing process.

Another use for preening behavior is to assist with the molting of feathers. Birds molt, or loose their feathers, gradually throughout the year. As old feathers become loose, preening helps to pullout and discard these old feathers. Each new feather is wrapped in a protective keratin casing, and as it grows this protective shield must be removed. Preening not only is used to remove the keratin casing, but also to flatten out and shape the new feather. Once again, with hundreds of new feathers growing and replacing old feathers, birds need to be constantly preening.

Preening behavior also has some social significance among birds. When birds are in groups, such as the American white pelicans pictured here, once one bird begins to preen, it seems to set-off a social reaction, and in a short period of time all the birds in the group will begin to preen.

Preening also plays a part in the courtship ritual for some birds. An example of this behavior is the behavior of the drake (male) mallard duck. As part of the courtship display it turns its head touching the area around the preen gland when in the presence of a receptive female mallard. The purpose of this behavior is unknown, yet common.

Respect the comfort zone

Wildlife watching or photographing wildlife is naturally predicated on first finding the wildlife. Preening behavior, as previously discussed, is a common activity among birds and should be relatively easy to both observe and photograph.

Birds like to preen in a secure location. This is a time when they are attending to personal hygiene, being relaxed and feeling safe is important. Therefore, the feeder birds won’t preen at the feeder; they are there to eat. Preening for these birds will take place after feeding, very often in the middle of the day while they are at rest. This usually occurs near the feeder area and some closer observation may be necessary to find their midday resting spots. Most aquatic birds will do as the American white pelicans have done, and find a sandbar or open area along the edge of the water.

If photographing, find an area to set-up that is a comfortable distance from your subject. Use your longest telephoto lens and respect the birds comfort zone. If the bird is nervous and apprehensive, it will stop preening and relocate to a more private spot.

Watching or photographing wildlife behavior can be an interesting, enjoyable, and challenging activity. So grab your binoculars or camera and get out there to enjoy an adventure observing wildlife behavior – no reservations required!

Good shooting!

For questions or comments, e-mail: mail@davidamurray.com.

© 2008 David A. Murray.