dustbathing
Dirt spa treatment
Dustbathing is the behavior of birds and some mammals rolling or wriggling in dry dirt or sand, working loose particles into their feathers or fur.
The practice helps control parasites, absorb excess oils, and maintain plumage condition.
Chickens dustbathe communally in shallow depressions; sparrows do it on dry roadsides.
The hens spent the afternoon dustbathing in the garden.
Turning over repeatedly
- wallowingIndulging without restraint
- fluffingMaking something fuller
- scratchingRaking with nails
- preeningGrooming with vanity
grooming · antiparasitic · instinct · shaking · flapping · ruffling · burrowing · squirming
Loose dry earth
Small brown urban bird
- chickenDomestic fowl for eating
- quailFlinch from fear
- finchSmall seed-eating songbird
- pheasantLarge ornamental game bird
wren · poultry · feathers · preening · birdwatching · ornithology · flock · plumage
Managing unwanted organisms
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- hygienePractices maintaining cleanliness
rolling
Turning over repeatedly
- wallowingIndulging without restraint
- fluffingMaking something fuller
- scratchingRaking with nails
preening · grooming · antiparasitic · instinct · shaking · flapping · ruffling · burrowing · squirming · settling
dirt
Loose dry earth
sparrow
Small brown urban bird
pheasant · wren · poultry · feathers · preening · birdwatching · ornithology · flock · plumage · down
pest-control
Managing unwanted organisms
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- hygienePractices maintaining cleanliness