Ornithologists have concluded that masturbation is considerably more widespread among birds than previously thought. Research indicates that such behavior is observed in at least 55 species across 10 different orders. The findings of this study have been published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
The researchers compiled information by reviewing scientific literature and gathering data from ornithologists, zoo staff, and members of online bird-keeping and breeding communities. Additional insights were acquired from specialized forums, Facebook*, and YouTube. In total, the scientists examined over 200 accounts pertaining to 120 bird species from 22 orders.
Typically, birds engage in self-gratification by rubbing their cloaca against various objects. This behavior has been documented in both male and female birds, irrespective of whether they are wild or captive. Species observed exhibiting this behavior include rock doves, herring gulls, bobwhites, and Lanner falcons.
The study was led by Chloe Hayes from Lancashire University. The researchers highlight that the subject of masturbation in birds has largely been an under-researched area. Scientific literature had previously contained only isolated mentions of such behavior in Adélie penguins, spectacled parrotlets, and a few other species. However, bird owners and breeding specialists had consistently reported such observations.
Previously, a common belief among veterinarians was that masturbation in birds could be an indicator of stress, lack of a mate, inadequate living conditions, or illness. The new data, however, does not support this viewpoint. On the contrary, the analysis revealed that wild birds exhibit this behavior even more frequently than those in captivity.
Reports of self-gratification were particularly common concerning parrots. The authors suggest this is primarily because parrots are more frequently kept as pets, making them easier to observe. Furthermore, it was found that males masturbate significantly more often than females, and this behavior is less prevalent in monogamous species compared to birds that have multiple partners within a single breeding season.
The researchers also discovered that birds raised by their parents exhibit masturbation more often than those raised by humans. Interestingly, the presence of conspecifics while in captivity had little impact on the likelihood of this behavior.
According to the study’s authors, the obtained results suggest that masturbation is a natural component of the mating behavior for many bird species. Its precise biological function remains a subject for future investigation. Nevertheless, the findings align with hypotheses that self-gratification may help reduce sexual tension, promote sperm replenishment, and increase the probability of successful reproduction.
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