The other afternoon, I was sitting near a shallow birdbath. An Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) hopped to the edge of the shallow birdbath, dived in boldly, and bathed with obvious joy. Drops splashed in all directions until he climbed onto the edge, dripping wet. Then he jumped onto a protruding branch hanging over the bath and began an almost ritualistic routine: preening, plucking, stroking—and finally, a thorough shaking that made his feathers appear like a fanned-out umbrella.
Preening is not a luxury for birds, but an essential behavior. The plumage of the Jay is a highly specialized organ that simultaneously provides protection, thermoregulation, and flight capability. The vigorous shaking after preening is more than a reflexive act. It serves to evenly distribute residual moisture and secretions and accelerates drying. At the same time, loose particles are removed from the plumage. Observing a Eurasian Jay at this moment clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this strategy: within a few seconds, the plumage appears voluminous, closed, and ready for action.
Thus, preening in the Eurasian Jay is not merely aesthetic, but also of vital importance. Only intact, well-groomed plumage enables efficient flight, protection from wet and cold, and defense against parasites.
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