Comparative Histological and Ultrastructural Studies on the Tongue of Two Avian Species (Lonchura oryzivora and Upupa epops)

Background: Avian tongue has a significant role in the feeding process. The current investigation was planned to study histological and ultrastructural features of two avians. Java sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora) Hoopoe (Upupa epops). Methods: Fourteen birds were used including seven sparrows Hoopoes during investigation. Careful procedures dissection process avian species. Their heads separated four samples (from each species) taken fixed 10% buffered formalin for observations. Result: Histologically, lingual glands Lonchura oryzivora simple-branched acinar compound acinar. Whereas, Upupa epops simple Three 2.5% glutaraldehyde SEM findings both species showed main three parts tongue; apex (anterior part), corpus (middle part) radix (posterior part). oryzivora‘s an elongated dart form with anterior terminal curved pointy conical papillae. Mid-dorsal trench (Sulcus medianus) extended from region radix. While triangular convex tip it V-form papillary crest. observed dissimilarities Sparrow emphasized more insight into behaviors adaptation