Birds usually keep themselves fairly clean. Most will preen or thoroughly clean their feathers – even very long tail feathers when present – by pulling them, one at a time, through their bills. Some birds will artfully twist and contort themselves so their bills reach all body parts except their heads, napes and throats. In addition to grooming the plumage, birds also spread oil from their preen gland, located near the base of the tail, onto their feathers to help waterproof them.

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