The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a beautiful bird known for its bright blue and orange feathers and amazing fishing skills. Cleaning of Common Kingfishers’ is important and to keep their feathers in great shape, these birds spend time cleaning and grooming.
So I will share the cleaning habitat of the Common Kingfishers in easy language.
Why Do Common Kingfishers Clean Themselves?
Common Kingfishers clean themselves to keep their feathers in good shape, which is very important for their survival. Here’s why:
- Fly Better: Keeping their feathers neat and smooth helps them fly easily and quickly. Dirty or broken feathers can make it harder for them to move and catch food.
- Stay Dry: Common Kingfishers dive into the water to catch fish, so their feathers need to stay waterproof. This helps them stay dry and stops them from getting cold.
- Stay Warm: Clean feathers hold air better, which keeps their bodies warm. This is important because they spend a lot of time near cold water.
- Get Rid of Bugs: Cleaning removes tiny bugs, dirt, and other things stuck to their feathers. This stops them from getting sick or feeling uncomfortable.
Preening: The Most Important Cleaning Habit of Common Kingfishers
What is Preening?
Preening is when Common kingfishers use their beaks to clean and fix their feathers. During preening, they:
- Spread Oil: Common Kingfishers have a special spot near their tail called the uropygial gland. This spot makes oil, which they spread on their feathers to keep them waterproof and soft.
- Remove Dirt: Preening helps them remove dirt and dust on their feathers.
- Fix Feathers: They make sure they can fly and dive well by smoothing their feathers.
How Do Common Kingfishers Preen?
Common Kingfishers use their beaks to clean each feather carefully. They even twist their heads to clean tricky areas like their back and neck. Common Kingfishers do this as a purpose for their care.
Bathing in Water: How Common Kingfishers Keep Their Feathers Clean
Why Do Kingfishers Bathe?
Bathing is one of the ways kingfishers keep their feathers clean and strong. When they dive into the water to catch fish, they also use it to wash off dirt, dust, and tiny bugs. This helps their feathers stay in good condition, so they can fly better, stay warm, and avoid getting sick from bugs or germs.
How Do Common Kingfishers Bathe?
- Special Dives to Clean Feathers: Sometimes, kingfishers dive into the water not just to catch fish but also to clean themselves. These dives wash away any dirt, mud, or small bugs stuck to their feathers. It’s like taking a quick bath while they’re hunting.
- Shaking Off Water After a Dive: After a dive, they perch on a branch and shake their whole body to remove extra water. This also helps get rid of dirt and tiny bugs. It’s a fast and easy way to dry off and feel clean.
- Fluffing Feathers to Stay Clean and Dry: Once most of the water is gone, they puff up their feathers to separate them. This lets air move through their feathers, helping them dry faster. Fluffing also puts their feathers back into the right shape, so they are ready to fly and stay warm.
By bathing regularly, kingfishers make sure their feathers stay clean, dry, and healthy, helping them live happily and safely.
Sunbathing for Common Kingfishers:
Why Do Kingfishers Sunbathe After Bathing?
After taking a bath, kingfishers like to sit in sunny spots with their wings open. Sunbathing helps them:
- Dry Their Feathers Fast: The sun dries their feathers quickly, stopping mold or germs from growing.
- Get Rid of Bugs: The sun’s heat and light help remove tiny bugs from their feathers.
How Do Kingfishers Sunbathe to Stay Clean?
Kingfishers sit on a sunny branch or rock to soak up the sunlight. They move their wings and body to let the sun reach all their feathers. This quiet and simple activity is an important part of keeping their feathers clean and healthy.
Dust Bathing: A Rare but Helpful Method
What is Dust Bathing?
Dust bathing is when kingfishers roll in dry soil or sand to keep their feathers healthy. It helps remove bugs and dirt.
How Do They Dust Bathe?
- Rolling in Dust: Kingfishers find a dry, dusty spot and roll around in it.
- Shaking Off Dust: After rolling, they shake off the dust, which takes away bugs and dirt with it.
Scratching: Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Spots
Why Do They Scratch?
Kingfishers use their feet to clean areas their beaks can’t reach, like their heads and necks. Scratching helps:
- Remove dirt and bugs.
- Fix feathers around the face.
How Do They Scratch?
They lift a foot and gently scratch their head or neck, sometimes reaching under their wings. This works well with their preening routine.
Using Branches for Grooming of Common Kingfisher
Why Are Branches Important?
Branches are helpful spots for kingfishers to clean and groom themselves. After cleaning or eating, they often:
- Wipe Their Beaks: They rub their beaks on the perch to clean off food or dirt.
- Stay Balanced: Perches give them a safe place to clean without interruptions.
How Cleaning Habits Help the Common Kingfishers Thrive
The cleaning habits of the common kingfisher are not just about looking good. These routines are key to their survival. Clean feathers mean:
- Better Hunting: Waterproof feathers let them dive smoothly into the water to catch fish.
- Easy Flying: Well-kept feathers help them fly with less effort.
- Good Health: By removing bugs and dirt, they stay healthy.
- Looking Attractive: Bright, clean feathers help them attract mates.
Conclusion
The cleaning habits of the common kingfisher show how smart and adaptable they are. From preening and bathing to sunbathing and scratching, every action is important for their survival. By learning about these habits, we can better understand and appreciate these amazing birds.
If you see a common kingfisher in the wild, take some time to watch its grooming routine. It’s a fascinating part of their daily life.