Yet another story from my recent visit to Thattekad...
There is a pair of resident Brown Hawk Owls (Ninox scutulata), near the place where I stayed. I used to see them whenever I visit Thattekad. They used to be found at the same place usually, daily, unless disturbed by the Bonnet Macaques. Even the local people there, like security guards, workers, house maids, etc., are familiar with this owl pair.
This time, after my morning session and lunch, did a short walk, and found the Owl pair. They were found not so active, eyes closed, and sitting in a branch. I was busy observing the other birds found in that place, like Asian paradise flycatcher, Jungle Babblers, etc. After a while, we noticed that the Owl pair started kissing each other.
The kissing was intimate and was going on for more than 10 minutes. It was adoring to watch, and I managed to get some images of the show.
We all have seen the so called Love Birds in cages, Parakeets, etc., kiss each other. Actually, they are not kissing, rather, they are preening each other.
Preening is a bird's way of grooming its feathers to keep them in the best condition. While preening, birds will remove dust, dirt and parasites from their feathers and align each feather in the optimum position relative to adjacent feathers and body shape. Most birds will preen several times a day to keep themselves healthy. Preening keeps feathers in good condition.
Owls may preen with their talons as well as their beaks. In fact, some of the owls like the Barn owl has a special comblike talon that is used just for preening. Because an owl can't preen its own head with its beak, it uses its talons to groom this area, or it may solicit help from another owl.
Mutual preening is a very common owl activity. The behavior seems to make owls less aggressive toward one another. Courting owls strengthen their pair-bond by preening each other. Parents and their chicks also engage in mutual preening.
There is a pair of resident Brown Hawk Owls (Ninox scutulata), near the place where I stayed. I used to see them whenever I visit Thattekad. They used to be found at the same place usually, daily, unless disturbed by the Bonnet Macaques. Even the local people there, like security guards, workers, house maids, etc., are familiar with this owl pair.
This time, after my morning session and lunch, did a short walk, and found the Owl pair. They were found not so active, eyes closed, and sitting in a branch. I was busy observing the other birds found in that place, like Asian paradise flycatcher, Jungle Babblers, etc. After a while, we noticed that the Owl pair started kissing each other.
The kissing was intimate and was going on for more than 10 minutes. It was adoring to watch, and I managed to get some images of the show.
Why do birds kiss?
We all have seen the so called Love Birds in cages, Parakeets, etc., kiss each other. Actually, they are not kissing, rather, they are preening each other.
What is Preening?
Preening is a bird's way of grooming its feathers to keep them in the best condition. While preening, birds will remove dust, dirt and parasites from their feathers and align each feather in the optimum position relative to adjacent feathers and body shape. Most birds will preen several times a day to keep themselves healthy. Preening keeps feathers in good condition.
Owl's Preen:
Owls may preen with their talons as well as their beaks. In fact, some of the owls like the Barn owl has a special comblike talon that is used just for preening. Because an owl can't preen its own head with its beak, it uses its talons to groom this area, or it may solicit help from another owl.
Mutual preening is a very common owl activity. The behavior seems to make owls less aggressive toward one another. Courting owls strengthen their pair-bond by preening each other. Parents and their chicks also engage in mutual preening.
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