Ask Lafeber

Question:

December 14, 2020

Preen gland


Why do some birds not have uropygial glands (Amazons, pionus and hyacinths)?


Answer:

Hi Ann,

There are a number of bird species, including some parrot species, that do not have the preening glad. These species have other means of protecting their feathers. While scientists have studied this difference, they have yet to find a correlation between the lack of the gland and environment, diet, feather type, etc. So as of now, it remains one of those mysteries of Nature.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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