Feathers require maintenance and birds preen or groom them daily, spending an average of around 9% of their daily time on this.

Its cage had been brought forward by its handlers and the bird was now preening its feathers in the sunlight.

White feathers are visible on the rump and flanks when the birds are preening and especially during courtship.

A bath, where birds can drink and preen, is crucial when regular water sources are iced over.

The birds then separate and preen themselves.

As moulting birds preen, they remove the waxy coating, and the feather unfurls.

Do not let the bird preen for at least half an hour or it will just pull the feather out.

The bird shook itself and preened a little, combing its feathers smooth with its beak.

The two birds, who in any other circumstances than this would have been predator and prey, actually preened each others' heads before settling in for the night.

Cats play, birds strut and preen, a dog sits alert as if listening for a call.