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 …

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 …

Sexual selection has been studied as a major evolutionary driver of animal diversity for
roughly 50 years. Much evidence indicates that competition for mates favors elaborate …

Over the past decade, advanced analytical techniques have been utilized to examine
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in eggs. These VOCs offer valuable insights into factors …

Preen oil, the secretion of the uropygial gland, may be an important source of body odour in
birds. By characterizing the chemical composition of preen oil, we can describe the olfactory …

Acoustic and visual signals are well known to play important roles in social communication
in birds. Growing evidence suggests that many bird species, including species of songbirds …

Avian courtship behaviour is essential to attract potential mating partners. Courtship
behaviours can involve displays of different sensory modes. Sex discrimination is a crucial …

Symbiotic microbes affect the health, fitness, and behavior of their animal hosts, and can
even affect the behavior of non-hosts. Living in groups presents numerous benefits and …

Avian preen gland helps birds cope with their environment, although its overall functioning
remains unclear. We shed light on the complexity of the preen gland's functioning by …

Preen oil–the secretion from the uropygial gland of birds–may have diverse functions in
avian reproduction: protection against eggshell bacteria, olfactory crypsis against nest …