Tropical birds build nests from fungi that may keep parasites at bay

Many birds’ nests in tropical rainforests contain rhizomorphs, fungal structures that produce defensive chemicals, which may protect nestlings from parasites

By Adrian Barnett

Fungi woven into birds’ nests may not only help keep nests flexible and intact, but also control nestling-attacking parasites by releasing antibiotics and volatile chemicals.

Baby birds, especially when naked and newly hatched, should be vulnerable to skin infections and parasites. Yet even in the fuggy confines of a nest in a steamy tropical rainforest, nestlings generally manage to remain fester-free. Why this is has long puzzled scientists, but Catherine Aime at Purdue University in Indiana and her colleagues wondered if they may …