Blue Tits Use Aromatic Plants in Their Nests
Articles from Best Garden Bird Feeders
Scientists have discovered that some birds, such as Blue Tits and other European birds line their nests with aromatic plants. These plants can kill bacteria so that a sterile environment is created for the chicks. Although some other species, such as Starlings, bring back aromatic plants to the nest they only do this until the eggs are laid, suggesting it is simply a courtship method.
photo credit: fs-phil
Researchers from the National Centre of Scientific Research in France and the University of Toulouse tested the effect of these plants on the bacteria present in nests and found that chicks from nests lined with these plants grew faster that others and were healthier. Some plants that were used in the nests included lavender, apple mint, the curry plant and and Achillea ligustica and had a significant effect on the populations of bacteria in the nests. The research is published in the journal Oecologia and you can read more at the BBC Blue tits embrace ‘aromatherapy’