Natural Healing: An Herbal Starling Nest

By Kathi Keville
May/June 2002
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

While pruning my apple trees, I noticed an abundance of wild pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) woven into one nest and wondered if the birds purposely used this fragrant, antiseptic herb. The Research Unit for Ornithology of the Max-Planck Society did find that European starlings mix fresh herbs—especially those rich in antiseptic essential oils—with their dry nest material. The birds were observed adding herbs to half of 148 nests. Both herb and nonherb nests contained the same number of mites, lice, and fleas, but nestlings in the herb nests weighed more, had higher hematocrit levels, and showed less immune activity against parasites, indicating that the herbs stimulated their immune systems and reduced parasites.

RELATED CONTENT

Source: Gwinner, H., et al. “Green plants in starling nests: effects on nestlings.” Animal Behavior 2000, 59(2): 301–309.


Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Comments

2147486364
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 58% off the Cover Price
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to The Herb Companion

Your guide to the many uses and even more pleasures of nature's most helpful plants!

The Herb Companion is the smart and easy complement to your own healthy, vibrant lifestyle! In every issue you'll find information on using herbs to:

  • Transform simple dishes into spectacular meals
  • Make gardens as useful as they are beautiful
  • Replace harsh chemicals with natural alternatives
  • Help find fulfillment, balance and good health
  • And much more!

Yes, send me a one-year subscription (6 issues) to The Herb Companion. I'll pay just $19.95.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $5.00 and get 6 issues of The Herb Companion for only $14.95 (USA only).