Flawed Art Online
I could pose and preen, say a few obscenely provocative and witty things, we could hurl a bunch of spells at each other and get a few parries in. i really wish we could. but unfortunately, the situation isn't quite what it seems.
Anthrobird considerations
preen as necessary or get a feather comb, and make sure to spend some time at it each day. you're not exposed to the elements as much so you won't need to spend near as much time at it as an animal, but it still matters.
Chapter 19 -- Inquiry
"i have just been informed that shortly before the inquiry ended, we received a report of a distress call from the matriarch's flag ship," said the owl, nervously preening its wing.
Gilded Cage: Chapter 14
"and when was the last time you had your hair preened? leon, you need to get that done to look presentable! once we get you settled in, we will have to solve this!" "look i don't need preening, i'm happy with the way my hair is!"
Story Challenge #3
Zakar said, preening some of the feathers on his wing. he nuzzled kansha's forehead and whispered something that she couldn't make out. "yikes!
War Paint
And the two vulpines had spent weeks preening in front of mirrors, checking everything they had trying to match up to an impossible ideal, a mirror which would find them ugly, unattractive failures every single time.
March of Progress - Rainfurrest 2013 Flash Fiction
Arrogant, preening bastards. i just wish i could do something. the old days, a gator wouldn't take nothing from a swan. now... nothin' i can do." the dragonfly's wings fluttered, one leg stroking his chin. "i might have an idea, boss." "like what?"
885 Beyond Imagining
Niphur preens proudly and raises its chin insolently at him.
Sheeperfly's Lullaby
"a fairy," the butterfly answered, preening his curled antenna with his foremost legs. "with a fairy's magic. i can help you."
A Price for Everything pt 4
Birds tended to do that to show affection, nuzzling beaks and preening one another. did harpies do that? well... he could sort through that later. right now, he couldn't do much of anything except try to give a squawk of thanks.
Soft Mornings
That was what the owl exuded, the oils that he worked into his feathers in bathing and preening lingering between cleanings.
Much Ado About Bluebottles: Episode Two
Now she perched over them, peering down on occasion between bouts of preening. "you're so quiet today." "she's mooning over a plant milker," lili said. her mother just missed their first, and only, sale of the day.