Histological changes associated with enlargement and regression of the thymus glands of the red-billed queleaQuelea queleaL. (Ploceidae: weaver-birds)

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Abstract
Thymic lobes from over 200 red-billed queleas, Quelea quelea L., were examined histologically. Samples were taken from embryos about to hatch, juveniles and adults. The lobes varied in size from very small to very enlarged (1- > 5 mm long). The constituent cell types are described in detail and the occurrence of these cells in different sized lobes is discussed. A cycle of events is proposed which accounts for the observations presented here. It is suggested that the large numbers of erythroid cells found in the cortex of some individuals were developing in situ. The significance of erythropoiesis within the thymus is discussed.