dustbath
Dirt cleaning ritual
A dustbath is the behavior of birds and some mammals rolling or fluffing themselves in dry dirt or sand to clean their feathers or fur.
The fine particles absorb excess oils and dislodge parasites.
Chickens are particularly known for dustbathing, creating shallow depressions in dry soil: The hens took their afternoon dustbath in the garden bed.
Soft-furred mountain rodents
- elephantsTusked, trunk-bearing mammals
- bisonLarge wild ox
- wallowingIndulging without restraint
- rollingTurning over repeatedly
zebras · horses · donkeys · rhinos · warthogs · capybara · gerbils · hamsters
Self-care for appearance
- antiparasiticAgent destroying parasites
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
- liceBloodsucking scalp insects
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
dander · mite · flea · ectoparasite · delousing
Domestic fowl for eggs
- sparrowsSmall common songbirds
- quailsRecoils in dread
- preeningGrooming with vanity
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
plumage · fluffing · scratching · sunbathing · poultry · gamebirds · pheasants · partridges
chinchillas
Soft-furred mountain rodents
rolling · zebras · horses · donkeys · rhinos · warthogs · capybara · gerbils · hamsters
grooming
Self-care for appearance
- antiparasiticAgent destroying parasites
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
- liceBloodsucking scalp insects
chickens
Domestic fowl for eggs
feathers · plumage · fluffing · scratching · sunbathing · poultry · gamebirds · pheasants · partridges · turkeys
dirt
Loose dry earth