Smell is a sensory modality that is rarely considered in birds, but evidence is mounting that
olfaction is an important aspect of avian behaviour and ecology. The uropygial gland …

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 …

For a long time birds were assumed to be anosmic or at best microsmatic, with olfaction a
poorly understood and seldom investigated part of avian physiology. The full viability of …

Many animals are known to preferentially mate with partners that are dissimilar at the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) in order to maximize the antigen binding repertoire (or …

Highlights•Song sparrow preen oil chemical dissimilarity is correlated with MHC genetic
distance.•Birds spent more time with preen oil from MHC-dissimilar potential mates.•Birds …

'Accounting for the sensory abilities of animals is critical in experimental design.'No
researcher would disagree with this statement, yet it is often the case that we inadvertently …

Background The microbiome provides multiple benefits to animal hosts that can profoundly
impact health and behavior. Microbiomes are well-characterized in humans and other …

Symbiotic microbes that inhabit animal scent glands can produce volatile compounds used
as chemical signals by the host animal. Though several studies have demonstrated …

To increase fitness, a wide range of vertebrates preferentially mate with partners that are
dissimilar at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or that have high MHC diversity …

Much of the growing interest in avian chemical signals has focused on the role of kin
recognition or mate attraction, often with an emphasis on males, with uropygial gland …