Sanctuary Cub Archives For Children

Photo Feature

DUST SHOWER
A group of Malabar Pied Hornbills gathers for a communal dust bath as part of their grooming routine – to prevent feathers from becoming greasy and matted, and to kill external parasites. First, the birds make a small depression in the dry, loose sand with their claws, then cower into it and vigorously shake their bodies and ruffle their feathers to form clouds of dust that penetrate to the skin. After a thorough shaking and preening, they’re good to go! Photographer: Ajit Hota Location: Dandeli, Karnataka