House Sparrows Passer domesticus with larger uropygial glands show reduced feather wear

摘要

This study assesses whether uropygial gland size is related to improved feather quality. To address this question, I analysed the relationship between uropygial gland size and feather wear in the House Sparrow Passer domesticus. The results show that birds with larger uropygial glands had less worn feathers, suggesting that uropygial gland secretions improve feather resistance to abrasion.