Sparrow Dust Bath

Sparrows taking a dust bath.

Sparrows (and many other birds) take dust or mud baths as part of their natural grooming behaviour to stay clean and healthy.

Mud or dust helps remove excess oil, parasites, and dead skin from their feathers. It also helps maintain the structure of their feathers for better insulation and flight.

Dust or fine mud can smother or dislodge parasites like mites and lice. This is a natural way for sparrows to keep infestations in check.

Dust or mud bathing is often a communal activity. Sparrows will gather in groups to do it, which reinforces social bonds.

They have a bird bath fountain but seem to like the mud better.

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