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Wild birds' gut microbiome linked with ornamentation and body condition

The article from Phys.org discusses a study linking the gut microbiome of wild birds to their migratory behavior. Researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku found that migratory birds have a distinct gut microbiome compared to non-migratory birds. The study, published in the journal *Nature Communications*, analyzed fecal samples from various bird species across different seasons. It revealed that migratory birds possess a more diverse and adaptable gut microbiome, which might help them cope with the physiological stresses of migration, such as changes in diet, environment, and energy demands. The microbiome of these birds showed an enrichment of bacteria associated with energy metabolism and immune function, suggesting that these microbial communities play a crucial role in preparing birds for long-distance flights and aiding in their survival during migration. This research highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in avian ecology and could have implications for understanding microbial contributions to animal behavior and health in general.

Read the Full Phys.org Article at:
[ https://phys.org/news/2024-12-wild-birds-gut-microbiome-linked.html ]