blue-front-amazon-cocked-head
How Do Amazon Parrots Use Light to Synthesize Vitamin D Having No Preening Gland? And Other Captive Amazon Care Questions
How do Amazon parrots use light to synthesize Vitamin D having no preening gland?
As I was curating this post on Amazon parrot questions it got me thinking about one of my favorite subjects, full spectrum lighting and the synthesis of vitamin D in birds.
Amazon parrots are relatively unique having no preening gland (along with doves, pigeons and Hyacinth macaws).
The uropygial aka preening gland oozes a slippery goo which a bird rubs its head and beak against. Then spreads this oil over its feathered body.
