Preener

Preener is an agent noun derived from the verb preen. In zoological usage, a preener refers to a bird or other animal that preens itself, performing feather grooming with its beak to clean, align, and condition plumage. In human contexts, preener is a rare or literary term for someone who preens, emphasizing grooming or self-presentation.

In birds, preening is a routine maintenance behavior. Birds use their bill to clean feathers, realign barbules, and distribute oils from the uropygial (preen) gland to condition feathers and maintain waterproofing. Preening can involve nibbling, rubbing, and manipulating wings or tail, and in many species it is complemented by allopreening, where one individual grooms another.

Functions of preening include feather maintenance for insulation and flight, waterproofing, and parasite control. It also helps to remove dirt and debris and to restore the feather’s microstructure for optimal aerodynamics. The frequency and intensity of preening can reflect molting cycles, hormonal status, health, or stress, and excessive or insufficient preening can indicate parasites, irritation, or other problems.

In humans, the term preener is used occasionally to describe a person who preens—someone who focuses on grooming or altered appearance. However, this usage is not common in scientific or formal writing, where phrases like grooming behavior or self-presentation are typically preferred.

See also: preen gland, preening, feather care.