What is this white feather thing? Is it a preen gland or something?

[mrstweet]

Paris has had it for at least a few months that I've noticed. I thought it was just a rogue feather but I'm wondering if it might be some other strange thing or a preen gland?

 

[April]

Im pretty sure thats her preening gland.

 

[andor]

That's around where it is... if its the preen gland then it is infected or impacted. I think you may have to get her to a vet =[

 

[melissa28546]

That looks like a normal preen gland to me. That white feather is like a little oil disperser to help the bird preen. It's normal. With some birds the white feather is more noticeable than others.

 

[Kristy]

First what amazing photgraphy, if I tried to photograph a preen gland - well it would never turn out like yours did.

Sometimes they dip into that oil up their feathers

 

[itzmered]

I am pretty sure what you are seeing is what is called the wick for the preen gland. I dont think it looks infected. There is a pretty good picture on this site of what an infected preen gland looks like Diseases of the Uropygial Gland

 

[mrstweet]

Thank you all. When I first noticed it I was kinda freaked out about it, but it doesn't bother her, so I thought it must just be a weird feather. Good to know!

I also appreciate the link and the photography comment.

 

[rikkitikki]

how did you get her to stay still and the feathers to stay parted just right? Great pics!
ETA: Ohh, weird and neat! I just googled "preen gland" in images, I didn't know it could be so easy to see! Are there any birds that don't have it?

 

[mrstweet]

how did you get her to stay still and the feathers to stay parted just right? Great pics!
ETA: Ohh, weird and neat! I just googled "preen gland" in images, I didn't know it could be so easy to see! Are there any birds that don't have it?

Ha, she was preening so I grabbed the camera when I saw it...I just stood around for 5 minutes.

 

[Kristy]

Amazon parrots, hyacinth macaws, pigeons and woodpeckers to name a few don't have that gland. Not sure how they protect their feathers.

 

[all4stvoyager]

Both my ekkies have it. When I first saw it on Mister, I wondered as you did...but yep...it's normal

 

[Flit]

Heheh, yep, that's what Boo's preening gland looks like, too. I really wish I could take awesome photos like that as well.

Also, Pionus don't have preening glands, either.