The secret of sparrows: which plants help them stay healthy
A study conducted by Chinese ecologists found that sparrows use medicinal plants as a preventive measure against parasites. This demonstrates that medicine stands as one of the most significant achievements of humanity. achievements. From finding plants that can relieve pain or slow down infection to developing Several remarkably successful vaccines that were developed in under a year against a completely new virus, our achievements are truly impressive.
Sparrows are little alchemists: what medicinal plants do they use to fight parasites
However, we are not the only creatures who utilize plants for their medicinal properties. . A team of scientists led by Kangchao Yang, an ecologist from Hainan Normal University, found that red-haired sparrows (Passer cinnamomeus) line their nests with fresh leaves of Chinese wormwood (Artemisia verlotiorum). This plant contains antiparasitic compounds, and scientists have suggested that birds do this for preventive purposes.
Besides sparrows, there are other animals that utilize medicinal plants. For example, pregnant elephants in Kenya ingest certain leaves to induce labor, many mammals, along with numerous other creatures, use medicinal plants for self-treatment, often as a preventive measure against illnesses or simply to improve their overall health.
Despite this, it is still impressive how a tiny sparrow can understand the medicinal properties of plants.
“In China, red sparrows begin adding mugwort leaves to their nests around the same time that locals decorate their doors with mugwort during the Dragon Boat Festival, according to tradition. This action is likely based on the belief in the protective properties of mugwort against disease, reinforced by “The researchers also hypothesized that using fresh mugwort leaves in nests may serve a similar purpose for sparrows.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers installed 48 pairs of nest boxes, adding 5 grams of mugwort to some and 5 grams of bamboo to others. Once the nests began to be filled with sparrows, the researchers began weighing them to determine how much sagebrush the birds were bringing into their nest.
“In a series of behavioral experiments, it was found that birds actively seek nesting sites sites in the vicinity of available sagebrush and use it to fill their nests, detecting its presence solely by smell. Nests containing sagebrush leaves had fewer parasites such as mites, which led to the fact that the chicks were born healthier and larger,” said ecologist William Feeney from Griffith University in Australia
Scientists do not know whether sparrows are aware of the preventative properties of wormwood leaves or are simply following behavior typical of their species. Perhaps most birds that prefer the smell of the plant use it and pass on their genes better. However, the study clearly shows that humans are not the only creatures using plants for medicinal purposes.
“Our research suggests that red sparrows, like humans, use wormwood as a preventative herbal medicine to ensure that their offspring are protected from disease and ill health. Should we be concerned about who is imitating whom?” – Fini concluded.
Smart and Adaptive: The Amazing Abilities of Sparrows You May Not Know About
Sparrows are one of the most widespread and successful bird species on the planet. And although they seem ordinary and inconspicuous, they actually have many amazing abilities and interesting facts that make them truly smart birds.
Sparrows have an excellent ability to adapt to different conditions. They can live in both cities and rural areas, as well as in different climate zones. This ability makes them one of the few bird species that can successfully adapt to a changing environment.
They also have an amazing social structure. Sparrows live in large groups called flocks. In these packs there is a pronounced hierarchy, with males and females occupying certain positions. Interestingly, male sparrows can show care for their partners, helping them build nests and look for food.
They also display amazing foraging skills. Sparrows are excellent insect hunters and use a variety of methods to catch them. For example, they may use tools such as sticks or pebbles to reach hidden food.
Another amazing fact about sparrows is their ability to learn. Research shows that sparrows can learn from other birds and adapt their behavior to changing conditions. This ability makes them highly adaptive and successful in survival.
Thus, sparrows are not just small birds that live next to us. They are intelligent and adaptive creatures, able to adapt to different environments and use their skills to survive successfully.