This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New research led by the University of Otago—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka shows some bird species may be taking advantage of natural geothermal "health spas." Published in the journal Ornithology, the research found some bird species seem to seek out and preen in the sulfurous steam of geothermal areas, likely to rid themselves of pathogens and parasites. Senior author Crid Fraser of the Department of Marine Science says that at a time when birds are carrying disease agents around the world, it is important to know how they manage pathogens.
"Our research indicates that birds might be cleansing themselves of some parasites or pathogens using geothermal areas—which is pretty cool and shows wildlife are not always helpless in the face of threats." Fraser first saw penguins and seabirds basking in volcanic steam in Antarctica. "That struck me as odd, as they're cold-adapted species that shouldn't want to hang out in a sauna." "I wondered if they might be using the sulfurous steam for health, because sulfur is a powerful insecticide and fungicide often used by farmers to treat parasites and fungal infections on animals and plants." To test this hypothesis, two undergraduate students spent their summer break observing the behavior of five bird species in geothermal and nongeothermal areas around Rotorua. They recorded behavioral data from 334 bird observations for about 3,000 minutes over several weeks and found some birds, including black swans and gulls, spent much more time preening in geothermal areas.
Lead author and student Rani Cousens says that by ruffling their feathers, the birds may be hoping the sulfur-rich gases will permeate and enhance parasite removal. Fraser says the results are preliminary and more research is needed. "Even so, this is exciting evidence that birds do use these areas, and they seem to be using them for some sort of grooming.
"We have long considered geothermal areas to be good for human health, but there isn't a whole lot of evidence yet supporting their benefits. "If wildlife are using the areas for health, too, that's an interesting similarity." The research was carried out in collaboration with local ecologists from Te Arawa, the Department of Conservation and Wildlands. Rani Cousens et al, Are birds using geothermal areas to help remove parasites?, Ornithology (2026).
DOI: 10.1093/ornithology/ukag039 Swati Mestri holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering and has worked as a content editor since 2019. She has experience editing research documents across technology, health care, and materials science, and has a particular interest in technology and space. Full profile → Master's in physics with research experience.
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