Scrubbing my back - Double-banded Sandgrouse <i>Pterocles bicinctus</i> dust-bathing

Abstract

Birds "bath" in the dust to help them clean their feathers and remove ectoparasites and feather lice (Maclean 1990; Clayton et al 2010). According to Maclean it is especially observed in ground living birds. Normally the birds are in an upright position shaking their plumage and wings vigorously to let in the dust between the feathers. They may also turn on their sides to get the plumage dusted properly.