Anatomy of the Splay
Anatomy of the Splay

A knowledge of the different parts of each splay is essential to fully describe and understand the variations in ornithological dejecta.

The diagrams below show all the main areas of a splay as well as the main types of splay that the collector can expect to find.

 

A. Sub–nucleus
B. Nucleus
C. Solids
D. Envelope
E. Outer Envelope
F. Inner Envelope
G. Lobe
H. Detached lobe
I. Extended lobe
J. Sub–nuclear particles

 

Schplerter
Large.
Multiple extended and detached lobes.
Usually taken at high speeds or results from extended drop height.
Often has disintegrated nucleus.

Schplerter
Schplutz

 

Schplutz
Varies in size with large extended lobes.
The lower ones may contain sub–nuclear particles and the occasional solid.

 

Sklop
Small.
Clearly defined envelope and nucleus of roughly equal proportions.
No tendency to lobe.
Usually taken at low speeds or results from short drop height.

Sklop
Splerd

 

Splerd
Large.
Envelope covers greater area than the nucleus which may be almost non–existent.
Little distinction between inner and outer envelopes.

 

Splood
Varies in size.
Typified by a single extended lobe which may contain sub–nuclear particles and occasionally solids.

Splood

 

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