The Secret Behind Waterproof Feathers of pigeons and other birds - Preening: The uropygial gland, informally known as the preen gland or the oil gland, is a bilobed sebaceous gland possessed by the majority of birds used to distribute the gland's oil through the plumage by means of preening. #fblifestyle | Pigeon Kuif

Preening is a birds way of grooming their feathers to keep them in the best condition. Preening allows the birds to secrete an oil-like substance which aids in the waterproofing process. Throughout rehabilitation, waterproofing is tested to ensure that when they are released, they can safely dive to catch prey. Why is this bird getting a shower? Rehabbers look for the water to roll of their backs to ensure proper waterproofing. Check out this video of our Laughing Gull patient getting waterproof