Sparrows and Cigarette Butts

What can our avian friends have to do with smelly cigarette butts? Quite a lot it would seem as per ecologist Monserrat Suarez-Rodriguez from the University of Mexico City. A scientific study of 57 sparrow nests in the region has allowed the researcher to come to the conclusion that sparrows keep a sharp look out for cigarette butts when feathering their nests.

The common house sparrow has derived health benefits for their fledglings by adding as many as 48 cigarette butts to a single nest. The cellulose fiber in the filter has a protective effect by eliminating a large percentage of parasitic mites in the nest. No they are not interested in the nicotine containing material and will remove it from the filter by pecking before adding the filter to the nest.

Still the residual material is highly efficient in reducing the amount of parasites that would be found in a nest without the cigarette filters. This was confirmed in tests conducted by the researcher. A unique way to ensure your baby’s health indeed. However these sparrows may find it difficult to come by cigarette butts in the future as stricter non smoking laws come into effect. It would be an interesting science project to find out what they substitute the cigarette filter with.