Abstract
Intraspecific communication in birds can involve the visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses. Although the latter is one of the least studied signalling modalities in birds, research of the last decades showed that a bird’s chemical profile varies according to different parameters. Here, we summarise current knowledge about chemical signatures of the volatile as well as the non-volatile fraction of preen oil, feathers and a bird’s overall odour, considering the potential transfer of information regarding species, genetic distance/compatibility, individual identity, sex, breeding season, and age. We found good agreement between the results of the publications reviewed here with regard to the substance classes being involved in the related chemical signatures. However, conclusive findings of specific compounds or mixtures of compounds as key constituents of the considered chemical signatures are rare. Moreover, none of the investigated parameters was characterised by only one compound, supporting the notion that they are encoded in chemical signatures being built of multiple compounds. Based on the overview of available insights into avian chemical signatures, we finally delineate lines of future research in this emerging field of research.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Amo, L., Aviles, J. M., Parejo, D., Pena, A., Rodriguez, J., & Tomas, G. (2012). Sex recognition by odour and variation in the uropygial gland secretion in starlings. Journal of Animal Ecology, 81, 605–613. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01940.x
Apandi, M., & Edwards, H. M. (1964). Studies on the composition of the secretions of the uropygial gland of some avian species1,2. Poultry Science, 43, 1445–1462. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0431445
Bang, B. G., & Cobb, S. (1968). The size of the olfactory bulb in 108 species of birds. Auk, 85, 55–61. https://doi.org/10.2307/4083624
Bhattacharyya, S. P., & Chowdhury, S. R. (1995). Seasonal variation in the secretory lipids of the uropygial gland of a sub-tropical wild passerine bird, Pycnonotus cafer (L) in relation to the testicular cycle. Biological Rhythm Research, 26, 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/09291019509360326
Bonadonna, F., Miguel, E., Grosbois, V., Jouventin, P., & Bessiere, J. M. (2007). Individual odor recognition in birds: An endogenous olfactory signature on petrels’ feathers? Journal of Chemical Ecology, 33, 1819–1829. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-007-9345-7
Butenandt, A., Beckmann, R., Stamm, D., & Hecker, E. (1959). Über den Sexual-Lockstoff des Seidenspinners Bombyx mori. Reindarstellung und Konstitution. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, B, 14, 283–284.
Campagna, S., Mardon, J., Celerier, A., & Bonadonna, F. (2012). Potential semiochemical molecules from birds: A practical and comprehensive compilation of the last 20 years studies. Chemical Senses, 37, 3–25. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjr067
Caro, S. P., & Balthazart, J. (2010). Pheromones in birds: Myth or reality? Journal of Comparative Physiology A Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural & Behavioural Physiology, 196, 751–766. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-010-0534-4
Caro, S. P., Balthazart, J., & Bonadonna, F. (2015). The perfume of reproduction in birds: Chemosignaling in avian social life. Hormones and Behavior, 68, 25–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.001
Caspers, B. A., Marfull, R., Dannenhaus, T., Komdeur, J., & Korsten, P. (2021). Chemical analysis reveals sex differences in the preen gland secretion of breeding Blue Tits. Journal of Ornithology, 163, 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-021-01921-w
Diez-Fernandez, A., Martinez-de la Puente, J., Gangoso, L., Lopez, P., Soriguer, R., Martin, J., & Figuerola, J. (2020). Mosquitoes are attracted by the odour of Plasmodium-infected birds. International Journal for Parasitology, 50(8), 569–575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.013
Diez-Fernandez, A., Martinez-de la Puente, J., Martin, J., Gangoso, L., Lopez, P., Soriguer, R., & Figuerola, J. (2021). Sex and age, but not blood parasite infection nor habitat, affect the composition of the uropygial gland secretions in European blackbirds. Journal of Avian Biology, 52(8), Article e02630. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.02630
Douglas, H. D. (2006). Measurement of chemical emissions in crested auklets (Aethia cristatella). Journal of Chemical Ecology, 32, 2559–2567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9164-2
Edkins, E., & Hansen, I. A. (1972). Wax esters secreted by uropygial glands of some Australian waterfowl, including magpie goose. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 41, 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(72)90012-0
Eisenberg, J. F., & Kleiman, D. G. (1972). Olfactory communication in mammals. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 3, 1–32.
Fischer, I., Halinski, L. P., Meissner, W., Stepnowski, P., & Knitter, M. (2017). Seasonal changes in the preen wax composition of the Herring gull Larus argentatus. Chemoecology, 27(4), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-017-0239-z
Gabirot, M., Raux, L., Dell’Ariccia, G., Bried, J., Ramos, R., Gonzalez-Solis, J., … Bonadonna, F. (2016). Chemical labels differ between two closely related shearwater taxa. Journal of Avian Biology, 47(4), 540–551. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.00853
Grieves, L. A., Kelly, T. R., Bernards, M. A., & MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A. (2018). Malarial infection alters wax ester composition of preen oil in songbirds: Results of an experimental study. Auk, 135(3), 767–776. https://doi.org/10.1642/Auk-17-242.1
Grieves, L. A., Bernards, M. A., & MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A. (2019). Wax ester composition of songbird preen oil varies seasonally and differs between sexes, ages, and populations. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 45(1), 37–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-018-1033-2
Grieves, L. A., Bottini, C. L. J., Branfireun, B. A., Bernards, M. A., MacDougall-Shackleton, S. A., & MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A. (2020). Food stress, but not experimental exposure to mercury, affects songbird preen oil composition. Ecotoxicology, 29(3), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-020-02171-x
Grieves, L. A., Gilles, M., Cuthill, I. C., Székely, T., MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A., & Caspers, B. A. (2022). Olfactory camouflage and communication in birds. Biological Reviews, 97(3), 1193–1209. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12837
Hagelin, J. C., Jones, I. L., & Rasmussen, L. E. L. (2003). A tangerine-scented social odour in a monogamous seabird. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 270(1522), 1323–1329. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2003.2379
Haribal, M., Dhondt, A. A., Rosane, D., & Rodriguez, E. (2005). Chemistry of preen gland secretions of passerines: Different pathways to same goal? why? Chemoecology, 15(4), 251–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-005-0318-4
Haribal, M., Dhondt, A., & Rodriguez, E. (2009). Diversity in chemical compositions of preen gland secretions of tropical birds. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 37(2), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2008.12.005
Higham, J. P., & Hebets, E. A. (2013). An introduction to multimodal communication. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 67(9), 1381–1388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-013-1590-x
Jacob, J., & Glaser, A. (1975). Chemotaxonomy of anseriformes. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2(3), 215–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(75)90065-4
Jacob, J., Balthazart, J., & Schoffeniels, E. (1979). Sex-differences in the chemical composition of uropygial gland waxes in domestic ducks. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 7(2), 149–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(79)90024-3
Jacob, S., Immer, A., Leclaire, S., Parthuisot, N., Ducamp, C., Espinasse, G., & Heeb, P. (2014). Uropygial gland size and composition varies according to experimentally modified microbiome in Great tits. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-14-134
Jennings, S. L., & Ebeler, S. E. (2020). Individual chemical profiles in the Leach’s storm petrel. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 46, 845–864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-020-01207-0
Johnston, R. E. (2003). Chemical communication in rodents: From pheromones to individual recognition. Journal of Mammalogy, 84(4), 1141–1162. https://doi.org/10.1644/BLe-010
Johnston, R. E. (2005). Communication by mosaic signals: Individual recognition and underlying neural mechanisms. In R. T. Mason, M. P. LeMaster, & D. Müller-Schwarze (Eds.), Chemical signals in vertebrates 10. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-25160-X_30
Karlson, P., & Lüscher, M. (1959). ‘Pheromones’: A new term for a class of biologically active substances. Nature, 183, 55–56. https://doi.org/10.1038/183055a0
Krause, E. T., Brummel, C., Kohlwey, S., Baier, M. C., Muller, C., Bonadonna, F., & Caspers, B. A. (2014). Differences in olfactory species recognition in the females of two Australian songbird species. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 68(11), 1819–1827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-014-1791-y
Leclaire, S. (2021). A deep dive into MHC-related odors: A comment on Schubert et al. Behavioral Ecology, 32(3), 375–376. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arab023
Leclaire, S., Merkling, T., Raynaud, C., Giacinti, G., Bessiere, J. M., Hatch, S. A., & Danchin, E. (2011). An individual and a sex odor signature in kittiwakes? Study of the semiochemical composition of preen secretion and preen down feathers. Naturwissenschaften, 98(7), 615–624. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-011-0809-9
Leclaire, S., Merkling, T., Raynaud, C., Mulard, H., Bessiere, J. M., Lhuillier, E., et al. (2012). Semiochemical compounds of preen secretion reflect genetic make-up in a seabird species. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 279(1731), 1185–1193. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2011.1611
Leclaire, S., van Dongen, W. F. D., Voccia, S., Merkling, T., Ducamp, C., Hatch, S. A., et al. (2014). Preen secretions encode information on MHC similarity in certain sex-dyads in a monogamous seabird. Scientific Reports, 4. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep06920
Leclaire, S., Chatelain, M., Pessato, A., Buatois, B., Frantz, A., & Gasparini, J. (2019). Pigeon odor varies with experimental exposure to trace metal pollution. Ecotoxicology, 28(1), 76–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-018-2001-x
Maraci, O., & Caspers, B. A. (2021). Considering birds to understand the interplay of MHC, microbiota, and odor: A comment on Schubert et al. Behavioral Ecology, 32(3), 376–377. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arab024
Mardon, J., Saunders, S. M., Anderson, M. J., Couchoux, C., & Bonadonna, F. (2010). Species, gender, and identity: Cracking petrels’ sociochemical code. Chemical Senses, 35(4), 309–321. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjq021
Mardon, J., Saunders, S. M., & Bonadonna, F. (2011). From preen secretions to plumage: The chemical trajectory of blue petrels’ Halobaena caerulea social scent. Journal of Avian Biology, 42(1), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-048X.2010.05113.x
Martin-Vivaldi, M., Pena, A., Peralta-Sanchez, J. M., Sanchez, L., Ananou, S., Ruiz-Rodriguez, M., & Soler, J. J. (2010). Antimicrobial chemicals in hoopoe preen secretions are produced by symbiotic bacteria. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 277(1678), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2009.1377
Mehl, F., Marti, G., Boccard, J., Debrus, B., Merle, P., Delort, E., et al. (2014). Differentiation of lemon essential oil based on volatile and non-volatile fractions with various analytical techniques: A metabolomic approach. Food Chemistry, 143, 325–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.07.125
Montalti, D., Gutierrez, A. M., Reboredo, G., & Salibian, A. (2005). The chemical composition of the uropygial gland secretion of rock dove Columba livia. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology a-Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 140(3), 275–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2004.10.008
Moreno-Rueda, G. (2010). Uropygial gland size correlates with feather holes, body condition and wingbar size in the house sparrow Passer domesticus. Journal of Avian Biology, 41(3), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04859.x
Müller, C., Caspers, B. A., Gadau, J., & Kaiser, S. (2020). The power of infochemicals in mediating individualized niches. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 35(11), 981–989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2020.07.001
Nazzaro-Porro, M., Passi, S., Boniforti, L., & Belsito, F. (1979). Effects of aging on fatty acids in skin surface lipids. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 73(1), 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12532793
Piersma, T., Dekker, M., & Damste, J. S. S. (1999). An avian equivalent of make-up? Ecology Letters, 2(4), 201–203. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1461-0248.1999.00078.x
Potier, S., Besnard, M. M., Schikorski, D., Buatois, B., Duriez, O., Gabirot, M., et al. (2018). Preen oil chemical composition encodes individuality, seasonal variation and kinship in black kites Milvus migrans. Journal of Avian Biology, 49(7). https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01728
Rasmussen, L. E. L., Lee, T. D., Roelofs, W. L., Zhang, A., & Daves, G. D. (1996). Insect pheromone in elephants. Nature, 379(6567), 684–684. https://doi.org/10.1038/379684a0
Rea, I. M., Gibson, D. S., McGilligan, V., McNerlan, S. E., Alexander, H. D., & Ross, O. A. (2018). Age and age-related diseases: Role of inflammation triggers and cytokines. Frontiers in Immunology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00586
Reneerkens, J., Piersma, T., & Damste, J. S. S. (2002). Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) switch from monoester to diester preen waxes during courtship and incubation, but why? Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 269(1505), 2135–2139. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2002.2132
Reneerkens, J., Piersma, T., & Damste, J. S. S. (2007a). Expression of annual cycles in preen wax composition in red knots: Constraints on the changing phenotype. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part a-Ecological Genetics and Physiology, 307a(3), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.a.347
Reneerkens, J., Almeida, J. B., Lank, D. B., Jukema, J., Lanctot, R. B., Morrison, R. I. G., et al. (2007b). Parental role division predicts avian preen wax cycles. Ibis, 149(4), 721–729. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00693.x
Rood, D. (2007). The troubleshooting and maintenance guide for gas chromatographers. Wiley-VCH.
Roper, T. J. (1999). Olfaction in birds. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 28, 247–332.
Sandilands, V., Powell, K., Keeling, L., & Savory, C. J. (2004). Preen gland function in layer fowls: Factors affecting preen oil fatty acid composition. British Poultry Science, 45(1), 109–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071660410001668932
Schaal, B., Coureaud, G., Langlois, D., Giniès, C., Sémon, E., & Perrier, G. (2003). Chemical and behavioural characterization of the rabbit mammary pheromone. Nature, 424(6944), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01739
Shaw, C. L., Rutter, J. E., Austin, A. L., Garvin, M. C., & Whelan, R. J. (2011). Volatile and semivolatile compounds in gray catbird uropygial secretions vary with age and between breeding and wintering grounds. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 37(4), 329–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-011-9931-6
Slade, J. W. G., Watson, M. J., Kelly, T. R., Gloor, G. B., Bernards, M. A., & MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A. (2016). Chemical composition of preen wax reflects major histocompatibility complex similarity in songbirds. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 283(1842). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.1966
Smith, W. J. (1977). The behavior of communicating. An ethological approach. Harvard University Press.
Soini, H. A., Schrock, S. E., Bruce, K. E., Wiesler, D., Ketterson, E. D., & Novotny, M. V. (2007). Seasonal variation in volatile compound profiles of preen gland secretions of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). Journal of Chemical Ecology, 33(1), 183–198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9210-0
Thomas, R. H., Price, E. R., Seewagen, C. L., Mackenzie, S. A., Bernards, M. A., & Guglielmo, C. G. (2010). Use of TLC-FID and GC-MS/FID to examine the effects of migratory state, diet and captivity on preen wax composition in White-throated Sparrows Zonotrichia albicollis. Ibis, 152(4), 782–792. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2010.01050.x
Tuttle, E. M., Sebastian, P. J., Posto, A. L., Soini, H. A., Novotny, M. V., & Gonser, R. A. (2014). Variation in preen oil composition pertaining to season, sex, and genotype in the polymorphic white-throated sparrow. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 40(9), 1025–1038. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-014-0493-2
Van Huynh, A., & Rice, A. M. (2019). Conspecific olfactory preferences and interspecific divergence in odor cues in a chickadee hybrid zone. Ecol Evol, 9(17), 9671–9683. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5497
Wackermannova, M., Pinc, L., & Jebavý, L. (2016). Olfactory sensitivity in mammalian species. Physiol Res, 65(3), 369–390. https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.932955
Whelan, R. J., Levin, T. C., Owen, J. C., & Garvin, M. C. (2010). Short-chain carboxylic acids from gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial secretions vary with testosterone levels and photoperiod. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 156(3), 183–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2010.03.005
Whittaker, D. J. (2022). The secret perfume of birds: Uncovering the science of avian scent. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Whittaker, D. J., Soini, H. A., Atwell, J. W., Hollars, C., Novotny, M. V., & Ketterson, E. D. (2010). Songbird chemosignals: Volatile compounds in preen gland secretions vary among individuals, sexes, and populations. Behavioral Ecology, 21(3), 608–614. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arq033
Whittaker, D. J., Soini, H. A., Gerlach, N. M., Posto, A. L., Novotny, M. V., & Ketterson, E. D. (2011). Role of testosterone in stimulating seasonal changes in a potential avian chemosignal. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 37(12), 1349–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-011-0050-1
Whittaker, D. J., Gerlach, N. M., Soini, H. A., Novotny, M. V., & Ketterson, E. D. (2013). Bird odour predicts reproductive success. Animal Behaviour, 86, 697–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.07.025
Whittaker, D. J., Gerlach, N. M., Slowinski, S. P., Corcoran, K. P., Winters, A. D., Soini, H. A., et al. (2016). Social environment has a primary influence on the microbial and odor profiles of a chemically signaling songbird. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2016.00090
Whittaker, D. J., Rosvall, K. A., Slowinski, S. P., Soini, H. A., Novotny, M. V., & Ketterson, E. D. (2018). Songbird chemical signals reflect uropygial gland androgen sensitivity and predict aggression: Implications for the role of the periphery in chemosignaling. Journal of Comparative Physiology a-Neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 204(1), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-017-1221-5
Whittaker, D. J., Kuzel, M., Burrell, M. J. E., Soini, H. A., Novotny, M. V., & DuVal, E. H. (2019a). Chemical profiles reflect heterozygosity and seasonality in a tropical lekking passerine bird. Animal Behaviour, 151, 67–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.03.005
Whittaker, D. J., Slowinski, S. P., Greenberg, J. M., Alian, O., Winters, A. D., Ahmad, M. M., et al. (2019b). Experimental evidence that symbiotic bacteria produce chemical cues in a songbird. Journal of Experimental Biology, 222(20). https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.202978
Wyatt, T. D. (2010). Pheromones and signature mixtures: defining species-wide signals and variable cues for identity in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Journal of Comparative Physiology a-Neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 196(10), 685–700. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-010-0564-y
Wyatt, T. D. (2017). Pheromones. Current Biology, 27(15), R739–R743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.06.039
Zhang, J.-X., Sun, L., & Zuo, M.-X. (2009). Uropygial gland volatiles may code for olfactory information about sex, individual, and species in Bengalese finches Lonchura striata. Current Zoology, 55(5), 357–365. https://doi.org/10.1093/czoolo/55.5.357
Zhang, J.-X., Wei, W., Zhang, J.-H., & Yang, W.-H. (2010). Uropygial gland-secreted alkanols contribute to olfactory sex signals in budgerigars. Chemical Senses, 35(5), 375–382. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjq025
Zhang, Y.-H., Du, Y.-F., & Zhang, J.-X. (2013). Uropygial gland volatiles facilitate species recognition between two sympatric sibling bird species. Behavioral Ecology, 24(6), 1271–1278. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/art068
Zhu, L., Hu, Z., Gamez, G., Law, W. S., Chen, H., Yang, S., et al. (2010). Simultaneous sampling of volatile and non-volatile analytes in beer for fast fingerprinting by extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 398(1), 405–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-3945-8
Zouboulis, C. C., & Makrantonaki, E. (2019). Clinical and laboratory skin biomarkers of organ-specific diseases. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 177, 144–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2018.08.003
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by the German Research Foundation (LO 2545/5-1 and CA 889/9-1).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Alves Soares, T., Caspers, B.A., Loos, H.M. (2023). Avian Chemical Signatures: An Overview. In: Schaal, B., Rekow, D., Keller, M., Damon, F. (eds) Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 15. CSiV 2021. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35159-4_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35159-4_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-35158-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-35159-4
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)