Peafowl Dust Bathing

Dust baths, also called dirt baths, dusting or sand baths, are part of a bird’s preening and plumage maintenance that helps keep feathers in peak... more

by Eva Lechner

Title

Peafowl Dust Bathing

Artist

Eva Lechner

Medium

Photograph - Photograph-artistic Photography

Description

Dust baths, also called dirt baths, dusting or sand baths, are part of a bird’s preening and plumage maintenance that helps keep feathers in peak condition. A pea will find a dry, sandy spot and scratch and wallow in it to loosen the soil. Using its wings, beak, and feet, the bird will throw the dust all over its body and fluff their feathers so the dust can reach the skin.

The dust that is worked into the bird’s feathers will absorb excess oils to help keep the feathers from becoming greasy or matted and to keep the plumage clean and flexible. Dry skin and other debris is also removed with the excess dust, and regular dusting can help to minimize lice, feather mites and other external parasites. The dust is then easily shaken out and the bird will continue to preen and groom.

Original fine art photography by Eva Lechner

Uploaded

November 17th, 2018