The microbiome is a vital component to the evolution of a host and much of what we know
about the microbiome derives from studies on humans and captive animals. But captivity …

The uropygial gland is a holocrine complex exclusive to birds that produces an oleaginous
secretion (preen oil) whose function is still debated. Herein, I examine critically the evidence …

The first comprehensive review of all aspects of the biology of moult, drawing information
from across the literature and in all birds, from penguins to passerines. Feathers are …

For most, the mere mention of lice forces an immediate hand to the head and recollection of
childhood experiences with nits, medicated shampoos, and traumatic haircuts. But for a …

Incubating new ideas about avian reproduction/SJ Reynolds & DC Deeming--The fossil
record and evolution of avian egg nesting and incubation/DC Deeming--Nest construction …

Recently, there have been urgent economic and scientific demands to decrease the use of
chemical fungicides during the treatment of phytopathogens, due to their human health and …

Background Parasites exert important selective pressures on host life history traits. In birds,
feathers are inhabited by numerous microorganisms, some of them being able to degrade …

Feathers are inhabited by numerous bacteria, some of them being able to degrade feathers,
and thus potentially alter thermoregulation and visual communication. To limit the negative …

Defence mechanisms against parasites and pathogens are some of the most elaborate
biological systems in animals. The oily secretion of the avian uropygial gland has been …

Background Animals have developed a wide range of defensive mechanisms against
parasites to reduce the likelihood of infection and its negative fitness costs. The uropygial …