Research: Man-made materials in nests can bring risks for birds: Study - Times of India
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BANGOR: According to new research , 176 bird species around the world use a variety of anthropogenic materials in their nests. Birds use our leftover or discarded materials all over the world. Seabirds in Australia use fishing nets in their nests, ospreys in North America use baler twine, city birds in South America use cigarette butts, and common blackbirds in Europe collect plastic bags to use in their nests. This study was published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B special issue on "The Evolutionary Ecology of Nests: A Cross-Taxon Approach." According to researchers, this material found in bird nests can be beneficial. Cigarette butts, for example, retain nicotine and other compounds that repel ectoparasites that attach themselves to the skin of nestling birds and suck blood from them. Meanwhile, harder man-made materials may help provide structural support for bird nests, while plastic films may help provide insulation and keep offs...