Ever hungry Norman came over or food when we visited today however Norma preferred preening to eating today.
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Swans are very keen on preening - they take the task very seriously and spend a good part of their day at it.
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| Although it looks as though Norma is scratching her head she is in fact preening - a Swan's feet come in handy for preening around the head and face. |
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Swans have a preen gland located at the base of the tail which produces an oil that they spread throughout their feathers.The waxy oil helps to keep feathers waterproofed and retains heat.
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Norma reaches for the base of each feather with her bill and then "nibbles" her way to the top, removing dirt and parasites as she goes. This action aligns the barbs of feathers so that they interlock and form a uniform, flexible surface - important for flying. |
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| Doesn't she look beautiful! |
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