19 September 2025

Preening is really important for birds because it’s the only way to keep their feathers in tip-top condition. They use their beaks to remove dirt and parasites, waterproof their feathers with preen oil, interlock feather barbules, and set each feather in its proper place. To reach all (*) their feathers, their necks have to be very flexible.

Yesterday Carla, the female peregrine at Univ. of Pittsburgh, spent several hours preening in front of the nestbox. Sometimes she looked like a contortionist.

In the photo below, can you find her head and beak? They aren’t where you think they are.

Lots of amazing moves in the slideshow below.

snapshot photos from the National Aviary snapshot camera at Univ of Pittsburgh

“Ahhhh,” says Carla, “It feels good to stretch!”

(*) p.s. The only feathers birds cannot reach on their own are the ones on top of their heads. That’s where they need a buddy to help. It’s called allopreening.