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Migratory Songbirds as Potential Ectozoochorous Protist Dispersal Vectors
Silas E Fischer1, Joy J Jackson1,2, Elise C Hoffman1
1Department of Environmental Sciences The University of Toledo Toledo Ohio USA.
Ecology and Evolution
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Terrestrial songbirds, like thrushes, unexpectedly carry diatoms on their tail feathers. This discovery suggests a previously unrecognized relationship between birds and algae, impacting protist biogeography.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Biogeography
- Microbiology
Background:
- Protist biogeography and dispersal are poorly understood.
- Identifying vectors for epibiont protists is crucial for ecological insights.
- Migratory animals can transport organisms, but avian dispersal of protists beyond waterbirds is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if terrestrial songbirds host diatoms on their plumage.
- To assess the potential of songbirds as dispersal vectors for diatoms.
Main Methods:
- Sampling tail plumage from four species of thrushes (Passeriformes) with diverse migration patterns.
- Microscopic analysis of feather samples to identify and quantify diatoms.
- Observation of diatom viability indicators, such as chloroplast presence.
Main Results:
- Diatoms were found on all sampled thrush individuals.
- 224 diatom individuals from 25 genera and 9 orders were identified.
- Predominantly benthic, freshwater, raphe-bearing diatom genera were detected, some with intact chloroplasts.
Conclusions:
- Terrestrial songbirds may serve as overlooked dispersal vectors for diatoms.
- An undescribed avian-algal relationship potentially influences diatom biogeography.
- Further research is needed to understand the extent and implications of this interaction.
Keywords:
avian‐mediated dispersalectozoochoryepizoic diatomslong‐distance dispersalmovement ecologyphoresyMore Related Videos
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