Science
Related: About this forumBirds use cigarette butts for chemical warfare against ticks
26 June 2017
Parasites lost?
JerryFriedman/CC BY-SA 4.0
By Natasha Khaleeq
Is this a cigarette habit with some benefits? A species of urban bird seems to harness the toxic chemicals in cigarette butts in its fight against nest parasites although there is a downside to the practice.
Constantino Macías Garcia at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and his colleagues, have spent several years studying the curious cigarette habit in urban house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). Initial evidence hinted that nicotine and other chemicals in the butts might help deter insect pests from moving into the nests nicotine does have anti-parasite properties but it wasnt conclusive.
To firm up the conclusion, Macías Garcia and his team experimented with 32 house finch nests. One day after the eggs in the nest had hatched, the researchers removed the natural nest lining and replaced it with artificial felt, to remove any parasites that might have moved in during brooding. They then added live ticks to 10 of the nests, dead ticks to another 10 and left 12 free of ticks.
More:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2138655-birds-use-cigarette-butts-for-chemical-warfare-against-ticks/
d_r
(6,907 posts)but serious anthropomorphism in the last sentence of the article.
Loki Liesmith
(4,602 posts)Warpy
(111,274 posts)than we realized. Their chicks will survive to flee the nest and the parent birds will often migrate, reducing the amount of exposure to the toxins. The toxins would only damage permanent resident birds, the species has both habits.
I think it's pretty slick, TBH. Anything that gets rid of disgusting cigarette litter and does some good in the process is fine by me.
Loki Liesmith
(4,602 posts)I've always found cigarette butts disgusting though. This takes it to the next level.
Duppers
(28,125 posts)Especially all parasites.
Ask a deist why god created these repulsive things.
Loki Liesmith
(4,602 posts)I actually prefer asshole.
Duppers
(28,125 posts)Further proving the intelligence and adaptability of birds.
Obviously finches do not eat ticks.