Avian exocrine secretions. I : chemical characterization of the volatile action of the uropygial secretion of the green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus

Date
2004-08
Authors
Burger, B. V.
Reiter, B.
Borzyk, O.
Du Plessis, M. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Verlag
Abstract
Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in conjunction with auxiliary techniques such as solid phase microextraction and determination of double bond positions by means of dimethyl disulfide derivatization, 45 constituents of the uropygial secretion of the green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus, have been identified. The majority of these constituents are long-chain branched and unbranched alkanes, and (Z)-alkenes such as (Z)-9-tricosene, and a number of unidentified wax esters. The more volatile fraction of the secretion contained short-chain fatty acids, aldehydes, aliphatic and heterocyclic aromatic amines, ketones, and dimethyl sulfides. This group of volatile compounds is responsible for the obnoxious odor of the secretion and also for its defensive action against predators.
Description
The original publication is available at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B%3AJOEC.0000042071.65335.f3
Keywords
Phoeniculus purpureus, Avian semiochemicals, Animal defenses, Uropygial secretion, Defensive secretion
Citation
Burger, B. V., Reiter, B., Borzyk, O. & Du Plessis, M. A.. 2004. Avian exocrine secretions. I : chemical characterization of the volatile action of the uropygial secretion of the green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 30(8):1603-1611, doi:10.1023/B:JOEC.0000042071.65335.f3.