AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

THE ORIGIN OF NEST-CEMENT IN EDIBLE-NEST SWIFTLETS (COLLOCALIA SPP.)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1956
Authors:Marshall, AJ, FOLLEY, SJ
Journal:Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London
Volume:126
Issue:3
Date Published:1956
ISBN Number:1469-7998
Keywords:Aerodramus, Aerodramus brevirostris, Aerodramus fuciphagus, Apodidae, Apus, Apus apus
Abstract:SUMMARY* 1A re-examination of the alimentary tract of two species of Asiatic swiftlets (Collocalia) appears to confirm Bernstein's (1859) hypothesis that nest-cement is produced by salivary glands. There is no sign of a crop-gland such as occurs in pigeons and doves. * 2The salivary glands of Collocalia are relatively enormous in comparison with those of the unrelated Swallow Hirundo which has apparently similar aerial-feeding habits yet does not cement its nest. On the other hand, the oesophageal and gastric mucosa in both genera are much the same. * 3A strikingly differential degree of salivary gland development is demonstrated in two species of Collocalia (taken on the same day at the same cavern) which are said to have different breeding dates. No such difference was detected in the oesophageal and gastric epithelium of the same examples. The probability of a hormonal control of the seasonal development of the salivary glands of Collocalia is briefly discussed.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1956.tb00444.x
Short Title:Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London
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