Seasonal changes in the oviduct of the pied myna (Aves: Sturnidae)

Study of the oviduct of the pied myna ( Sturnus contra contra ) throughout the year reveals that oviducal weight, length, surface epithelial height and glycogen content are low during August to January (nonbreeding phase), partially increase during February to April (prebreeding phase), maximally increase in May (breeding phase) and decrease in June and July (post‐breeding phase). In the nesting cycle, there is greatest growth in all the regions of the oviduct from early nest‐building to the egg‐laying period and this is followed by rapid involution during incubation and nestling periods. Some notable features in the oviduct of the pied myna are described: (1) All five regions of the oviduct (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina) are clearly distinguishable when studied from serial sections of the oviduct even during the nonbreeding phase of the annual ovarian cycle. (2) There is a strong correlation between initiation of tubular gland formation and the onset of nestbuilding activity. (3) The distal part of the magnum is differentiated into a ‘mucous region’ having well developed basal nonciliated cells. (4) A sixth zone can be identified between the magnum and isthmus. Sperm hostlike glands exist at the cranial end of the zone. (5) Several circular epithelial invaginations are evident in the intermucosal folds and their size decreases in centripetal order in the vagina. (6) The pattern and degree of regression are different in various regions of the oviduct. A close synchrony between ovarian and oviducal cycles is indicated in the pied myna ( Sturnus contra contra ).