PLEASE HELP: growth on society finch

[Musetta]

I just noticed what appears to be some sort of lump or growth on the back of my society finch Cress, just above her tail. I have no idea what it is and I am freaking out a bit. I swear it was not there yesterday...this is the first time I have seen it, at least, although it is possible she disguised it with her wing feathers, which overlap to cover the location (I had to push her feathers aside for the photo).

Is this a tumor? What should I do? I felt the site when I managed to catch her for a photo, and it seems to sort of balloon out from a smaller place on her skin, kind of like a skin tag. And I couldn't tell for sure because I really didn't know what I was doing, but it seemed sort of squishy...? Not hard. But I could be wrong.

Cress seems energetic, flies about the cage and eats normally, and I just watched her bathe with what seemed like great enthusiasm. She is not acting sick. Should I take her to the vet?

Aaack please help. This is my first finch health issue.

[debbie276]

Looks like the preening gland to me

[Martie]

I agree, Debbie - preening glands...

[Musetta]

Argh what does this mean?? Do I need to treat it somehow? Is this natural? Should I take her to the vet? Is it supposed to be all swollen like that?

[Ginene]

Preening gland is normal. I thought the same thing when I saw one for the first time. Totally looks like a tumor/growth!!! Look it up on google.

[Musetta]

Oh wow. Newbie in the house, y'all! And here I was feeling all superior for knowing what a crop is. What a disturbing way to learn this particular lesson! Thank you all for your knowledge. I am so happy that Cress is not in imminent danger!