Last week I listened to a speaker who was a photographer who specialized in water fowl. During the talk he mentioned the preen gland of some ducks and how they use their feet to get the oil to hard to reach place.
Then a few days ago a linnie owner was talking about his linnie having a clogged preen gland. So this peeked my interest, as I have never really thought much about the preen gland.
Here is just a small amount of information, that I found. There is a ton out there and some very technical.
Most birds have a preen gland or uropygial gland. This gland is found near the base of the tail. The bird uses its head or beak to transfer the oil to its feathers and skin of legs and feet. This oil helps keep the feathers supple, strong and keeps them from drying out.
The skin of a bird is almost without glands but most do have the preen gland.
Birds such as the emu and ostrich do not have this gland and use other means to keep their feathers clean.
Problems with the preen gland are usually a result of lack of Vitamin A.
Some ornithologists feel the function of this gland differs among species.
Then a few days ago a linnie owner was talking about his linnie having a clogged preen gland. So this peeked my interest, as I have never really thought much about the preen gland.
Here is just a small amount of information, that I found. There is a ton out there and some very technical.
Most birds have a preen gland or uropygial gland. This gland is found near the base of the tail. The bird uses its head or beak to transfer the oil to its feathers and skin of legs and feet. This oil helps keep the feathers supple, strong and keeps them from drying out.
The skin of a bird is almost without glands but most do have the preen gland.
Birds such as the emu and ostrich do not have this gland and use other means to keep their feathers clean.
Problems with the preen gland are usually a result of lack of Vitamin A.
Some ornithologists feel the function of this gland differs among species.