What is Preening?
The preen gland is an oil secreting gland located at the base of the tail in most birds. As the bird grooms itself, the powderdown feathers break apart into powder. It is the combination of the oil from the preen gland and the powder from the powderdown feathers that creates and maintains a clean and well-groomed bird. Preening is also a means of socializing between birds. This social function also helps to get at those “hard to reach” areas. Preening is also the time for a bird to remove worn or damaged feathers during the molting season.
