Hoopoes Cover Their Eggs in Secreted Fat
Posted on January 21, 2015
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Higher Council of Scientific Research (CSIC) have discovered that hoopoes paint their eggs with a secreted fat. This helps protect the eggs from infection by pathogens and increases the chance of a successful hatching. The unique behavior has only been observed in this species of birds.
The fat is produced by the birds in their uropygial gland. Scientists stopped some female hoopoes from using the substance and found their eggs had a higher failure to hatch rate than hoopoes that were allowed to use the substance. The scientists say they have determined the secretion provides a barrier to block pathogens from getting inside the egg.
UGR zoology professor Manuel MartÃn-Vivaldi says in a statement, "With this experiment, we have been able to establish that if the females can use their secretion, towards the end of the incubation period, those tiny craters are full of a substance saturated with bacteria. If we preclude the use of this secretion, these tiny craters appear empty towards the end of the hatching process."
The researchers are working to determine the composition of the bacterial community within the hoopoe's uropygical gland. They say the hoopoe's gland has components that are very different from other birds.
Take a look:
A research paper on the study can be found here in the Journal of Animal Ecology./p>
- Fossil of Giant Freshwater Turtle Discovered
- Hubble Observes Stormy Weather on Jupiter
- Australian Spider Named After Marvel's Venom
- NASA's JWST Captures New Views of NGC 604
- Ancient Giant Sea Lizard Had Dagger-Like Teeth