(Springer Verlag, 2004-08) Burger, B. V.; Reiter, B.; Borzyk, O.; Du Plessis, M. A.
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.