Paddyfield Pipit enjoying a dust-bath

YC Wee
on 28th March 2012

Johnny Wee encountered a Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) at Lorong Halus enjoying a sand bath recently.

This is one of a few methods birds uses to keep their feathers in top condition LINK. It lies down on the dusty ground, moves vigorously about, fluffing its feathers at the same time to drive the dust particles through its plumage. This practice helps get rid of ectoparasites as well as removing old oil gland secretions.

Other methods of feather maintenance includes water bathing LINK, sunning LINK, preening LINK and anting LINK.

Johnny Wee
Singapore
March 2012

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

Singapore-Nature: 17. Citizen Science

30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

Singapore’s secret “garden”

20th July 2023

Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

12th July 2023

Singapore Nature: 14. Accolades

6th July 2023

One Response

  1. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Peregrine Falcon having a dust-bath in a high-rise apartment

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