Study Finds Avian Masturbation Natural, Common in Wild
SkimNews Take
The study reframes a behavior often associated with stress in captivity as a natural, widespread element of avian life, suggesting a broader biological role beyond reproduction.
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- The study surveyed bird experts and online bird‑keeper communities, gathering data on 120 species from wild and captive environments.
- The study found avian masturbation widespread among parrots, ducks, turkeys and chickens, and more common in wild birds than in captivity.
- Male birds typically rub vigorously on perches, toys, twigs, or owners’ hands, feet or shoulders during masturbation.
- Female birds usually lift their tail and back onto objects when masturbating.
- Veterinarians have been urged to stop punitive measures such as perch removal, hormone therapy or surgery, which may cause more harm than the behavior itself.
- The research was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, with co‑author Dr. Matilda Brindle highlighting welfare implications for bird husbandry.
Why it matters: Bird owners and veterinarians gain evidence that discouraging avian masturbation is unnecessary, while practices such as perch removal, hormone therapy, or surgery—often prescribed to stop the behavior—are now recognized as potentially more damaging to bird welfare. This shift could reduce unnecessary medical procedures and improve the quality of life for captive birds.
