Bird Masturbation Found Across Species, Redefining What’s Normal
A broad evolutionary analysis finds masturbation is common across many bird species, in both males and females, and reported more often in wild birds than captive ones, suggesting it is a natural part of avian biology with potential roles in reproductive success; the study outlines hypotheses such as a sexual outlet and postcopulatory effects, and notes veterinary and welfare considerations while acknowledging data limits.