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When there is an oil spill, it is impossible to know in advance
how many birds will be impacted. International Bird Rescue works
with local state and federal biologists to look at what animals are
in the area at the time of a spill and try to determine what
species and how many of them may be exposed to oil.
When oil sticks to a bird's feathers, it causes them to mat and
separate, impairing waterproofing and exposing the animal's
sensitive skin to extremes in temperature. This can result in
hypothermia, meaning the bird becomes cold, or hyperthermia, which
results in overheating. Instinctively, the bird tries to get the
oil off its feathers by preening, which results in the animal
ingesting the oil and causing severe damage to its internal organs.
In this emergency situation, the focus on preening overrides all
other natural behaviors; including evading predators and feeding,
making the bird vulnerable to secondary health problems such as
severe weight loss, anemia and dehydration. Many oil-soaked birds
lose their buoyancy and beach themselves in their attempt to escape
the cold water. The fortunate ones are taken in by concerned
citizens or capture crews.
Bird feathers are naturally waterproof, but to maintain this,
each feather must be aligned properly so that water cannot seep
through the microscopic barbs and barbules that are part of the
vane of each feather. These barbs and barbules hook together like
Velcro to form a tight waterproof barrier. Each properly aligned
feather overlaps another like the shingles on a roof to create an
entire waterproof covering for the bird. It is the bird's job to
maintain its feather structure. While preening, birds distribute
natural oils, which help in the long-term maintenance of feathers
by keeping the feathers supple so alignment can be
maintained.
Properly aligned feathers will not allow water or air to penetrate
and ensure that the bird is buoyant and insulated from the cold.
Every day birds spend considerable time preening because if their
feathers are not perfectly aligned, it could kill them.
 | Why Rehabilitate Oiled BirdsEvery bird matters |
 | How Does International Bird Rescue Help Oiled Birds?Learn about the process of helping and releasing birds |
