UROPYGIAL GLAND Definition & Meaning

uropygial gland

noun

Ornithology.

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.

uropygial gland

noun

a gland, situated at the base of the tail in most birds, that secretes oil used in preening

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of uropygial gland¹

First recorded in 1865–70

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Among the substances produced by birds are the secretions of the uropygial gland, which may be pigmented orange, red or yellow.

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They also found evidence that the birds transferred carotenoids from their uropygial gland to their feathers by rubbing their head on their neck, breast and back feathers.

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They then looked for the pigments that may tinge the plumage both in the secretions of the uropygial gland and on the surface of feathers.

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