Definition: Preening is the process by which birds groom and care for their feathers. When a bird is preening, she uses her beak to pick through her feathers -- removing any debris, arranging feathers that are out of place, and distributing a special oil that is secreted from a gland at the base of the tail. This oil helps a bird's feathers stay healthy and shiny.
Examples: My Quaker Parrot does most of his preening after being misted each day.
