Birds represent a diverse and evolutionarily successful lineage, occupying a wide range of
niches throughout the world. Like all vertebrates, avians harbor diverse communities of …

Microbial ecologists strive to understand the factors that influence the structures and
functions of microbial communities. At first glance, understanding these communities might …

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 …

Many parts of the animal body harbor microbial communities, known as animal-associated
microbiomes, that affect the regulation of physiological functions. Studies in human and …

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 …

Microbiologists often evaluate microbial community dynamics by formulating functional
hypotheses based on ecological processes. Indeed, many of the methods and terms …

Melanins are common feather pigments that contribute to signaling and crypsis. Melanins
may also help feathers resist feather‐degrading bacteria (FDB). Two recent studies …

The kakapo, a parrot endemic to New Zealand, is currently the focus of intense research and
conservation efforts with the aim of boosting its population above the current 'critically …

Choosing to mate with an infected partner has several potential fitness costs, including
disease transmission and infection-induced reductions in fecundity and parental care. By …

Colorful plumages are conspicuous social signals in birds, and the expression of these
colors often reflects the quality of their bearers. Since mature feathers are dead structures …