Experimental Test of the Importance of Preen Oil in Rock Doves (Columba Livia)

Moyer, Burton J.; Rock, Alex; Clayton, Dale H.

doi:10.1642/0004-8038(2003)120[0490:etotio]2.0.co;2

Cited by 76 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Second, birds inhabiting air-polluted areas may have to invest more heavily in preening. In conclusion, even if feather colours are often viewed as a fixed trait following moult, our results conjointly with studies on other bird species (Örnborg et al 2002;Moyer et al 2003;Zampiga et al 2004;Delhey et al 2006) suggest that plumage colourations can change, and soiling seems to be an important factor to affect this change (Montgomerie 2006a;Surmacki & Nowakowski 2007;Lenouvel et al 2009). Much work remains to determine the role of air pollution and aerosol particles in altering plumage colourations.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage

Griggio

Serra

Pilastro

2011

Italian Journal of Zoology

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To cite this article: M. Griggio , L. Serra & A. Pilastro (2011) The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage, Italian Journal of Zoology, 78:1, 90-95, DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2010 AbstractColourful feathers are important traits in female mate choice in birds because the colour properties of the feathers are often correlated with individual condition during moult. Feather colour can change after moult, and dirt accumulation has been suggested to contribute to this variation. However, we still know little about the influence of dirt on feather colour change, possibly because it is difficult to experimentally manipulate the level of feather dirtiness. We investigated whether reflectance properties of feathers exposed to naturally deposited soil (atmospheric particle deposition such as dust, pollution and smoke) differ from feathers for which this contact was prevented. To achieve this, we compared the spectral colour of throat-breast feathers of European starling, Sturnus vulgaris, kept in the open air (dirty group) with those preserved within a plastic envelope (clean group). Before treatment and three and six weeks after the beginning of the treatment we measured the plumage reflectance of the two groups of feathers. While clean feathers did not change their reflectance spectra, the dirty group showed a reduced reflectance along the entire spectrum (300-700 nm). The reduction in reflectance was particularly pronounced in the UV range (300-400 nm). These preliminary results are consistent with the idea that feather colours are not static signals but are plastic traits. However, much work remains to determine the role of soil and air pollution in altering plumage colouration.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage

Griggio

Serra

Pilastro

2011

Italian Journal of Zoology

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“…In this regard, it is interesting that the extirpation of the gland did not have any serious consequence for the survival of goslings, hens and passerine birds (Jacob, 0 1976;Chen et al, 2003). The surgical removal of the uropygial gland in Columba livia did not affect the behavior, survival, and body weight gain and feeding rates, over a two-month period 2000;Moyer et al, 2003).…”

Section: Gland Physiologymentioning

confidence: 89%

“…These authors attributed this alkaloid with the function of chemical defense against natural predators such as snakes, raptors, and possibly some arboreal marsupials. However, considering that the concentration the gland secretion in plumage hygiene controlling skin fungi and bacteria and ectoparasites (Moyer et al, 2003). These antibiotic effects are modified when the gland is extirpated, causing significant alterations in the number and shape of the bacteria inhabiting the skin and feathers; these effects could have ecological and adaptive significance.…”

Section: Gland Physiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland

Salibián

Montalti

2009

Braz. J. Biol.

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This review discusses different aspects of the uropygial gland of birds. The gland exhibits a striking morphological diversity in size, shape and presence/absence of tufts of feathers. It was shown that acidic mucins, neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids are normal components of secretion. Several morphological and physiological aspects of the gland were studied on Rock Pigeon Columba livia Gmelin, 1879. The amount of the uropygial gland secretion, its lipid content and fatty acids profile were determined. The extracted lipid mixture contained of C14 to C20 fatty acids, mostly unsaturated; the saturated fatty acids were mainly 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0. No correlation was found between the size of the gland and the aquatic/terrestrial nature of the species. Ablation of the gland did not affect survival, body weight, feeding rate and serum cholesterol, total lipids or calcium levels after 32-120 days. The possible role of the gland in the protection against lipophilic compounds was discussed. The function of the gland is still a subject of controversy. It is accepted that its secretion confers water-repellent properties on the feather coat and maintain the suppleness of the feathers. Other physiological roles of the gland secretion may be associated to pheromone production, control of plumage hygiene, thermal insulation and defence against predators. Concerning the endocrine regulation of the uropygial function, there is scarce information presenting evidence for steroid regulated mechanisms.Keywords: Columba livia, preen gland, uropygial gland, uropygial physiology, chemistry of secretion. Aspectos fisiológicos e bioquímicos da glândula uropigial das aves ResumoEsta revisão discute diferentes aspectos da glândula uropigial das aves. A glândula exibe uma chamativa diversidade morfológica de tamanho, forma e presença/ausência de um tufo de penas. A glândula mostrou mucinas ácidas, lipídios neutros, glicolipídios e fosfolipídios como componentes normais de sua secreção. Diversos aspectos morfológicos e fisiológicos da glândula foram estudados na pomba doméstica Columba livia. Foi determinada a quantidade de secreção da glândula uropigial, seu conteúdo lipídico e o perfil de ácidos sebosos. A mistura lipídica extraída contém ácidos graxos C14 a C20, principalmente não saturados; os ácidos graxos saturados foram principalmente 14:0, 16:0 e 18:0. Não se encontrou correlação entre o tamanho da glândula e a natureza aquática/terrestre das espécies. A ablação da glândula não afetou a sobrevivência, peso corporal, alimentação e os níveis séricos de colesterol, lipídios totais ou cálcio depois de 32-120 dias. Discute-se o possível papel da glândula na proteção contra compostos lipofílicos. A função da glândula é ainda tema de controvérsia. Aceita-se que sua secreção confere às penas propriedades repelentes à água e as mantém flexíveis. Outras funções fisiológicas da secreção glandular podem estar associadas com a produção de feromonas, controle da higiene da plumagem, isolamento térmico e defesa contra predadore...

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“…Preen waxes are secreted by the uropygial gland and smeared onto birds' plumage to protect feathers against adverse environmental conditions that cause wear or wetting (Elder,'54;Jacob and Ziswiler,'82) and to protect the plumage against ectoparasites (Moyer et al, 2003;Shawkey et al, 2003). During courtship and incubation, the preen wax mixture of monoesters secreted during the non-breeding season is replaced by higher molecular weight diesters in female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos; Kolattukudy et al,'87) and in many species of sandpiper (Scolopacidae; Reneerkens et al, 2002a).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of annual cycles in preen wax composition in red knots: constraints on the changing phenotype

2007

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Birds living in seasonal environments change physiology and behavior in correspondence to temporally changing environmental supplies, demands and opportunities. We recently reported that the chemical composition of uropygial gland secretions of sandpipers (Scolopacidae, order Charadriformes) changes during the breeding season from mixtures of monoesters to diesters, which fulfill specific functions related to incubation. A proper temporal match between the expression of diester preen waxes and incubation requires a flexible organization of the trait. Here we analyze the possible degrees of flexibility with reference to the functionality of better-understood molt and body mass cycles of free-living and captive red knots (Calidris canutus). The relative flexibility of seasonal cycles in preen wax composition was examined by two experimental perturbations: (1) giving birds restricted access to food and (2) monitoring them long-term under a constant photoperiodic regime. We found that wax type cannot change instantaneously, but that changing the type of wax is under similar organizational time constraints as the replacement of feathers. Just as molt and mass cycles, the seasonal rhythm of diester secretion appeared to be under endogenous control: most birds placed in a constant photoperiod still maintained seasonally changing preen waxes. Diester preen wax secretion was synchronized with the peak in body mass in spring, but became less well expressed under constant photoperiodic conditions and when food availability was limited.

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Experimental Test of the Importance of Preen Oil in Rock Doves (Columba Livia)

Cited by 76 publications

References 15 publications

The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage

The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage

Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland

Expression of annual cycles in preen wax composition in red knots: constraints on the changing phenotype

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