What is the oil gland at the base of a bird’s tail for?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is the oil gland at the base of a bird’s tail for?

The Big Idea

Many birds carry their own waterproofing. It is hidden near the tail. What is the oil gland for?

Near the Tail

Step one: Near the Tail. Most birds have a small oil gland near the base of the tail. It makes a waxy oil that the bird can use on its feathers.

Spreading the Oil

Step two: Spreading the Oil. When a bird preens, it rubs its beak on the oil gland. Then it spreads the waxy oil across its feathers, one by one.

Water Off a Duck

Step three: Water Off a Duck. The oil keeps feathers flexible and water-resistant, so rain rolls off instead of soaking in. A duck with a healthy coat of oil can float and stay dry underneath.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! At the tail. Waxy and slick. Stay flexible. Rolls right off.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Ducks can stay dry underneath their feathers. Not every bird has an oil gland. Ostriches don't. Water beads up on oily feathers. Oil keeps feathers flexible.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Lay out a sheet of waxed paper and a sheet of plain paper. Put a few drops of water on each. Watch the drops for one minute. Which paper keeps the drops as round beads? That is how an oily feather stays dry.

Outro

Most birds have an oil gland near the base of the tail. While preening, they spread its waxy oil over their feathers, which keeps them flexible and water-resistant, so rain rolls off and a duck stays dry underneath. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!