This house wren was having an energetic dust bath in the next door lot.

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, June 5, 2024.



Troglodytes aedon

When a bird preensit’s distributing oil secreted by a gland throughout its plumage. This oil keeps the feathers pliable, weather-proof, and ready for flight. But this oil can build up, making their feathers greasy and matted. When they take a dust bath, particles bind to the excess oil. After flapping around in the dust, they’ll fly up to a perch to complete the routine, fluffing out their feathers to shake off the excess. The bird now sports fluffier, more flight-worthy feathers.


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