A biochemical analysis of secretions from the uropygial gland of selected passeriform birds

Abstract

The fatty acids of the uropygial gland waxes of 99 individuals of 4 species of birds including the common grackle, "Quiscalus quiscula (lcteridae); starling, "Sturnus vulgaris (Sturnidae); red-winged black bird, "Agelaius phoeniceus (Icteridae); and brown-headed cowbird, "Molothrus ater (Icteridae) were analyzed using a new and simplified technique for the extraction of fatty acids and subsequent analysis of their methyl ester derivatives. The principle components were found to be methyl branched and unbranched fatty acids ranging from C11 to C21. Resulting chromatograms depict four basic patters; intraspecific variation, including sexual differences was minimal or absent within each species. One instance of a possible avian subspecific difference in fatty acid components was noted. The potential use of fatty acids and chemotaxonomy is discussed.