Common Murres (Uria aalge) live in some close quarters! These tightly packed colonies, called “loomeries,” allow for Common Murres to practice allopreening (grooming one another). In addition to reducing parasite loads, allopreening may also play an important social role. Mates groom mates and neighbors groom neighbors!

[Photo and caption by Lindsey Broadus]

Lewis, S. Roberts, G., Harris, M. P., Prigmore, C., & Wanless, S. (2007). Fitness increases with partner and neighbour allopreening. Biology Letters, 3(4), 386–389. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2007.0258.