Probably most readers of these posts know that birds take baths. They may not know why they do that, and what kind of baths they take. So, here is some more on that.
Many bird species bathe in water, and the reasons are quite similar to why humans take baths. Baths clean the feathers—they remove dirt, dust, and parasites. Wet feathers are also easier to preen (the way birds use their beaks to arrange and maintain their feathers).
Interestingly, some bird species also bathe in sand or dust. While this may sound counterintuitive, it also helps clean the feathers. Dust soaks up excess oil on the feathers (it got there from a gland – the oil is useful to waterproof the feathers but too much of it is not a good thing). The dust also helps birds get rid of parasites – they are either suffocated by the dust or fall off. Birds in areas with more parasites therefore take more frequent sand baths.
Finally, when it is hot, both water baths and sand baths can help birds cool down.
Seeing birds take a bath together, I sometimes suspect that this activity is just an excuse to socialize. But maybe I am anthropomorphizing too much – even though personally, I would rather not meet my friends while taking a bath.
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