The uropygial gland of the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo): I. Morphology

Abstract To further our knowledge of the basis wing-spreading behavior cormorants, we compared feathers cormorants with a diving and dabbling duck. Only cormorant shows division into closed vane next to rhachis an open in periphery feather. Macroscopically, uropygial gland Great Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo ) is bilobed, papilla wears circlet type I. Histologically, consists tightly packed glandular tubules separated by internal septa. These can be divided three zones based on their laminar appearance. They transition secretion-filled ducts that lead papilla. There no central storage chamber. By contrast, rock pigeon Columba livia contains large chamber, tissue limited gland. Thus, histological organization similar many other aquatic birds. elucidate complex structure, additionally reconstructed three-dimensionally.