What is the white stuff on its beak? (1 Viewer)

[clarkcan]

These goliath herons at Lake Panic were together in a tree. I can't find any information on the white fibers on the beaks. Any help greatly appreciated!

Candace

 

[clarkcan]

Oops. The file didn't attach.

I'll try to attach the file again.

 

[rockfowl]

They are small feathers from, when preening the body, are loose enough to stick to any gunk on the birds bill.

 

[clarkcan]

They are small feathers from, when preening the body, are loose enough to stick to any gunk on the birds bill.

Thanks so much for the info!

Is there any reason one bird should be passing feathers on to the other? Are these adult and immature, or male and female? Or what?

cc

 

[Sal]

I don't think they are actually passing feathers. The feathers happen to be there because they have been preening, now they are communicating.