The uropygial gland, informally known as the preen gland or the oil gland, is a bilobate sebaceous gland possessed by the majority of birds. It is located dorsally at the base of the tail (between the fourth caudal vertebrae and the pygostyle) and is greatly variable in both shape and size. In some species, the opening of the gland has a small tuf...
A compound alveolar gland of birds located on the dorsum of the tail or pygostyle; the secretion of this gland (fatty acids and wax) exits from a papilla on the dorsal surface at the base of the tail feathers; the bird applies the substance to its feathers by means of the bill when preening. The uropygial gland is lacking in some species but its wa...
papilla on top of uropygium that secretes oils for preening
during preening, the bird squeezes small amounts of oily liquid from this organ, located on the upper surface of the tail.
[n] - oil-secreting gland situated at the base of the tail in most birds
A gland near the upper base of the tail that secretes oils that a bird distributes across its feathers via preening. Also known as the oil gland.
preen gland noun oil-secreting gland situated at the base of the tail in most birds
large oil gland on the back and at the base of the tail of birds providing oil for the birds to preen their feathers (also called the preen or oil gland)
a gland opening on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers. Also called