Birds have a waterproof covering of feathers.
Feathers are both watertight and airtight, as well as waterproof.
Birds have a special gland near their tail. The gland, called the uropygial gland or preen gland, produces oil that makes the bird’s feathers waterproof.
Continue reading “Waterproof Feathers”
The Somali Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori struthiunculus) is the largest flying bird native to Africa.
The Somali Kori Bustard has a large head and long thin yellowish-white legs. It has mostly grey and brown feathers, finely patterned with black and white markings. Its neck is black and grey-brown with a black collar, whereas its chin and throat are white with thin black bars. It has a black crest. Above it pale yellow eyes is a white stripe. Its belly is white, and its tail has broad grey-brown bands. Its beak is light green. Its feet have three forward-facing toes.
What does preen mean?
To preen means to clean.
A bird that preens is a bird cleaning its feathers.