The ability of feathers to perform many functions either simultaneously or at different times
throughout the year or life of a bird is integral to the evolutionary history of birds. Many …

The uropygial gland is a holocrine complex exclusive to birds that produces an oleaginous
secretion (preen oil) whose function is still debated. Herein, I examine critically the evidence …

Abstract Theory predicts that contrasting properties of mutualistic and antagonistic networks
differentially promote community resilience to species loss. However, the outcome of most …

The first comprehensive review of all aspects of the biology of moult, drawing information
from across the literature and in all birds, from penguins to passerines. Feathers are …

Birds are plagued by an impressive diversity of ectoparasites, ranging from feather-feeding
lice, to feather-degrading bacteria. Many of these ectoparasites have severe negative effects …

Birds host many lineages of symbiotic mites, but the greatest diversity is shown by the three
superfamilies of astigmatan feather mites: Analgoidea, Pterolichoidea, and Freyanoidea …

The evolution of parasite resistance can be influenced by the abundance of parasites in the
environment. However, it is yet unresolved whether vertebrates change their investment in …

Parasites and other symbionts are crucial components of ecosystems, regulating host
populations and supporting food webs. However, most symbiont systems, especially those …

Long‐distance bird migration is expensive, and individuals in prime condition are therefore
expected to arrive at the breeding grounds earlier than the average individual in the …

Abstract Feather mites (Astigmata: Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea) are among the most
abundant and commonly occurring bird ectosymbionts. Basic questions on the ecology and …