Observational analysis reveals sex-specific seasonal changes in preen gland secretions in Tristram's Storm Petrels, suggesting potential roles in social communication during breeding.
Key Points
To examine the chemical profile and seasonal variation of preen gland secretions in male and female Tristram's Storm Petrels across different breeding stages.
Collected preen gland secretion samples from male and female Tristram's Storm Petrels (Hydrobates tristrami) across the breeding cycle.
Performed qualitative chemical composition analyses using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Identified lipid esters (predominantly octadecyl octanoate), aliphatic alcohols, and hydrocarbons as the main constituents of preen secretions.
Observed distinct sex-specific variation across breeding stages, with males exhibiting significant compound changes from early breeding to incubation compared to minimal variation in females.
Found that levels of 1-hexadecanol significantly increased from the incubation stage to the chick-rearing stage in both sexes.