Birds bathing habits

[jaywhybee]

Why is that some types of birds like starlings and blackbirds seem to adore bathing and getting thoroughly wet in bird baths whilst you never see other birds using bird baths in the same way, preferring 'dust baths' (that's when it's not catapulting it down like this month!)?

[Lonnie]

Hi jay,
Quite agree, I love watching the Crows soak their food in mine, in order to soften it quickly, they tread it down until its just right.

[wildwood]

Dust bathing is mainly to dislodge and get rid of parasites. If you watch notorious dust-bathers like house sparrows, you'll also see them bathing in puddles after rain.

[RATTER15]

I think many birds are just a bit too shy to be seen bathing!!

[Cetti]

Wood Pigeons really adore the water and even wash under their arms!

This picture shows a woody 'rain-bathing' .Bottom in a bath, holding one wing up then the other in the rain. They may look dopey, but this is the only bird I've ever seen do this.

http://i11.tinypic.com/4p4xevr.jpg

[jaywhybee]

Thanks for your replies folks