Why do birds splash in puddles?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do birds splash in puddles?

The Big Idea

Splish, splash! Birds love a good bath. Why do birds splash in puddles?

Soak and Loosen

Step one: Soak and Loosen. A bath is good for a bird's feathers. When a bird soaks in a puddle or birdbath, it wets its feathers and loosens dirt and dust.

Shake and Preen

Step two: Shake and Preen. Afterward, the bird shakes, then preens to put everything back in place. It also spreads oil over its feathers again.

Shallow Is Best

Step three: Shallow Is Best. Clean feathers fly and keep the bird warm better. A shallow puddle works well, because the bird can stand and flap without sinking.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Soaks feathers. Loosened. Back in place. Safe to stand.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some birds bathe even in snowy weather by rolling in snow. Clean feathers fly better. Shallow water is safest for birds. Birds shake off afterward.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, set out a shallow dish with about an inch of water. Add a few pebbles so birds can stand. Put it where you can see it from a window. Check it each morning. Change the water every day to keep it clean.

Outro

Bathing wets a bird's feathers and loosens dirt and dust. Afterward it shakes and preens to put everything back in place and spread oil, and shallow puddles are best because birds can stand and flap without sinking. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!