Gannet preening

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Gannet preening,Most birds have a preen gland, or uropygial gland, at the base of the tail. The gland produces uropygial oil, a waxy substance used to waterproof and condition feathers. Rubbing the preen gland with the beak, a bird picks up the oil and then distributes it onto feathers by rubbing the beak over the feathers. It’s thought that the oil from the preen gland also helps to make the feathers supple and strong and prevents them from drying out. Preening is especially important for diving birds such as gannets as distributing the oil over feathers is important maintaining the condition of feathers exposed to much water.

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Size: 3264px × 4928px
Location: Scotland, UK
Photo credit: © Clearview / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: bass, bassanus, berwick, bird, coast, coastal, colony, dunbar, east, gannet, gannets, gannett, grooming, lothian, morus, nesting, north, northern, preening, rock, scotland, scottish, seabirds, wildlife