Uropygial gland

Uropygial gland

The uropygial gland, or, more informally, the preen gland is a gland found in the large majority of birds that secretes an oil (preen oil) that birds use for preening. The chief compounds of preen oil are diester waxes called uropygiols.

The gland is found near the base of the tail and is shaped into two symmetric parts. The oil of each part of the gland is secreted through the surface of the skin through a grease nipple-like nub. A bird will typically transfer this oil to its feathers by rubbing its head against the oil and then around the rest of the body. Tailward areas are usually preened utilizing the beak.

Not all birds have a uropygial gland. Exceptions include the emu, ostrich, and bustards. These typically find other means to stay clean and dry, such as taking a dust bath. "See also" powder down. On the other hand, the uropygial gland is strongly developed in many waterbirds, such as ducks (but not in cormorants which are also highly aquatic). It appearsFact|date=April 2007 that the waterproofing effect is not primarily by the uropygiols - although they are hydrophobic - but by applying an electrostatic charge to the oiled feather through the mechanical action of preening. When eating duck or goose, the preen gland is left over or already removed uninjured during preparation, as the uropygiols have a musty, rancid taste.

Compare with

*Sebaceous gland


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Uropygial gland — Uropygial U ro*pyg i*al, a. [See {Uropygium}.] (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the uropygium, or prominence at the base of the tail feathers, in birds. [1913 Webster] {Uropygial gland}, a peculiar sebaceous gland at the base of the tail feathers in… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • uropygial gland — n. a large gland located at the base of the tail in most birds, that secretes an oil used in preening …   English World dictionary

  • uropygial gland — Ornith. a gland opening on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers. Also called oil gland, preen gland. [1865 70] * * * …   Universalium

  • uropygial gland — noun oil secreting gland situated at the base of the tail in most birds • Syn: ↑preen gland • Hypernyms: ↑oil gland • Part Holonyms: ↑bird …   Useful english dictionary

  • uropygial gland — noun Date: 1870 a large gland that occurs in most birds, opens dorsally at the base of the tail feathers, and usually secretes an oily fluid which the bird uses in preening its feathers called also oil gland …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • uropygial gland — u•ro•pyg′i•al gland [[t]ˌyʊər əˈpɪdʒ i əl[/t]] n. orn a gland at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used in preening • Etymology: 1865 …   From formal English to slang

  • uropygial gland — /jurəˈpɪdʒiəl glænd/ (say yoohruh pijeeuhl gland) noun a gland opening on the uropygium at the root of the tail in most birds, and secreting an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers …  

  • uropygial gland — noun A secretory organ, at the base of a birds tail, that secretes the oil used in preening …   Wiktionary

  • uropygial gland — preen g …   Medical dictionary

  • Uropygial — U ro*pyg i*al, a. [See {Uropygium}.] (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the uropygium, or prominence at the base of the tail feathers, in birds. [1913 Webster] {Uropygial gland}, a peculiar sebaceous gland at the base of the tail feathers in most birds …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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