Masturbation among birds is ‘natural’ and should not be punished, say experts A new study concludes that masturbation in birds is a common and natural behavior, prevalent in the wild and not necessarily a sign of stress from captivity. Researchers urge veterinarians to advise bird owners against intervening with practices such as removing perches or hormone treatments, as these can be more damaging. The findings, published in Ecology and Evolution, aim to provide a more holistic understanding of avian behavior.

• Masturbation is a natural and healthy behavior in birds, not a negative response to captivity.
• The activity is more common in wild birds than in captivity across 120 species.
• Vets should not intervene unless there’s a chronic problem; drastic measures like surgery are unnecessary and harmful.
• The study surveyed bird experts and online communities, combining their accounts with scientific literature.
• Both male and female birds engage in this behavior, often rubbing on perches, toys, or even owners.
• This research provides a step towards a more holistic understanding of bird behavior.