Cleaning And Preening

Birds must keep their feathers in perfect condition. If they are dirty or ruffled, it is difficult to fly and keep warm, so they need constant care. A good place to watch birds clean their feathers is by a birdbath or puddle in the park. Afterward, they comb the feathers with their beaks. This is called preening.

Preening Time

the starling runs each ruffled feather through its bill to make it smooth. Then it uses its bill to collect oil from a preen gland at the base of its tail. It wipes the oil over its feathers to condition or waterproof them.
The starling uses its bill to zip up the branches, or barbs, of its feathers.

Splish Splash

A good splash in the water is the first step in a bird's cleaning routine. Bathing birds fluff up their feathers and then duck down and use their wings to splash water over their bodies.

Make A Birdbath

You can make a birdbath from a sheet of plastic and a few stones. Birds need a gentle slope so they can paddle in and out, and a rough surface so they don't slip.

1- Dig hole about six inches deep and a yard wide. The hole should have gently sloping sides so small birds can easily get in and out.

2- Line the hole with a sheet of tough plastic. Hold the lining down with stones and sprinkle gravel or sand over it.

3- Put some stones in the middle and stick a twig in them to make a perch

4- Fill the bath slowly with water. Keep it full and make sure the water does not freeze in winter. Watch the birds hatching all year.