A solitary wood grouse was recently observed engaging in a dust bath in a forest near St. Petersburg. The unusual activity was captured by a trail camera.

According to biologist Pavel Glazkov, birds use dust baths as a way to combat feather mites and lice.

The dust effectively suffocates these parasites, leading to their demise.

Furthermore, the dust helps to remove excess grease from the bird’s feathers.

This process ensures the feathers remain clean and flexible.

Dust baths also aid in accelerating and facilitating the molting process.

Last spring, cameras in the Nizhne-Svirsky Reserve recorded a wood grouse’s mating display.