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Story summary
- University of Lancashire researchers published a study in Ecology and Evolution showing bird masturbation occurs naturally.
- The study of 120 species found masturbation in 55% of males and 36% of females.
- Masturbation was more frequent in wild birds, in individuals reared by parents, and in species with multiple mates, with lower rates in socially monogamous species.
- Researchers urge veterinarians to stop discouraging the behavior and to allow birds privacy.
