Birds and Microbiome
Mónica Rojas-Gómez, Diego Rojas-Gätjens & Max Chavarría
Maisy: How can woodpeckers possibly create nests in solid wood?
Birds host a diverse array of microbes on their bodies (plumage, legs, beaks, eyes) and within their digestive systems. Most of these microbes are harmless and form mutually beneficial relationships, exchanging organic matter and molecules. While microbes assist birds in ecosystem tasks, they benefit from easier feeding and dispersal.
This lesson explores fascinating examples of bird-microbe interactions. We'll examine how microbes help woodpeckers build their nests and how some bird species use feathers in nests to combat pathogens. Additionally, we’ll discuss how microbes influence plumage color and the role of preen gland microbes in emitting odors for communication and mate selection. Lastly, we'll highlight the importance of gastrointestinal microbes in maintaining bird health.
Details of these remarkable interactions follow!