Adjust feathers is often used in ornithology to describe the act of a bird repositioning or grooming its feathers. However, there are several synonyms for this phrase that can also be used to describe this behavior. One common alternative is preening, which refers specifically to a bird using its beak to smooth and arrange its feathers. Molting is another term that can be used when a bird sheds old feathers and grows new ones to adjust its appearance and functionality. Other synonyms for adjust feathers include fluffing, primping, tidying, and arranging, all of which accurately describe the process of a bird maintaining its feathers for optimum performance and optimal survival in its environment.