176 bird species now build nests from our rubbish, study finds
European researchers studied 35,000 nests and found birds using cigarette butts, plastic bags and fishing nets.
Birds across almost every continent are weaving human rubbish into their nests, putting their chicks and themselves at serious risk. A study of nearly 35,000 nests found 176 bird species using human-made materials including cigarette butts, plastic string, foil and cardboard.
Blackbirds add plastic string; blue tits use colourful stuffing; white storks incorporate cardboard and foil. The dangers are real: twine can entangle birds, rubbish exposes chicks to toxins, bright colours attract predators, and chicks can choke on material they mistake for food.
Some items help, though, cigarette butts repel blood-sucking parasites, plastic film insulates nests, and sturdy materials strengthen them. Scientists say the behaviour has increased sharply in recent years and reflects how pollution now touches every habitat.
- 176
- Bird species affected
- Almost 35,000
- Nests studied
- Zuzanna Jagiełło, University of Warsaw
- Lead researcher
- All except Antarctica
- Continents with findings
Why it mattersNesting birds are canaries for pollution spreading everywhere. Understanding what birds pick up shows us where our waste travels and harms wildlife.
AustraliaAustralian birds including native species are building nests with our litter. Australians can help by photographing nests in their gardens to track how widespread the problem is.
Corroborated bytheconversation.com
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