Uropygial gland
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The uropygial gland, informally known as the preen gland or the oil gland, is a bilobed sebaceous gland possessed by the majority of birds used to distribute the gland's oil through the plumage by mea
Position of the uropygial gland, indicated on a budgerigar
Uropygial gland of a blue jay
European herring gull (Larus argentatus): The bird on the right is uncovering its uropygial gland to distribute the gland's oil through the plumage by means of preening. The bird on the left is pushing its head towards its uropygial gland.
White-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) extracting preen oil from its uropygial gland
Greater flamingo
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The greater flamingo is the largest and most widespread species of the flamingo family. Common in the Old World, they are found in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asi
Uropygial gland
…in attracting biting midges and black flies in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and feral pigeons (Columba livia). Secretions of the uropygial gland of greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) contain carotenoids, organic pigments which give flamingos their pink colour. During the breeding season, greater flamingos…
010 Greater flamingos male and female in the Camargue during mating season Photo by Giles Laurent
Taking off in Camargue, France
Landing in the Camargue, France
With a lesser flamingo, in Mumbai, India