Robins can't wait for rain when they need a shower. To get water on top of their bodies and under their feathers, they splash a lot! A bathing robin alternates between splashing with its wings and head to work water into the feathers and skin, and then preening to apply oil from their special oil gland. The oil keeps the feathers soft and supple, so the tiny hooks and barbs on the feathers "zip" and lock shut. Thanks to this special oil and careful preening, robins can stay fairly waterproof and dry when they need to.
Photo: M. Cowan
