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Birds Use Snake Skin to Deter Predators

Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**Birds Use Snake Skins in Nests to Ward Off Predators, Cornell Study Finds**

A new study from Cornell University sheds light on an unusual behavior observed in some bird species: incorporating shed snake skins into their nests. Researchers discovered that this practice is more common in cavity-nesting birds and may serve as a way to deter potential predators.

The study, led by Vanya Rohwer, senior research associate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and curator at the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates, explores the evolutionary reasons behind this behavior. Rohwer explained that while birdwatchers have noted this phenomenon for centuries, it had not been scientifically tested until now.

“We were trying to address why birds are investing all this time and effort in finding this bizarre material,” Rohwer said. The use of snake skin seems to provide an added layer of protection for birds nesting in cavities, which could make them more vulnerable to predators.

The full study, titled *"The Evolution of Using Shed Snake Skin in Bird Nests,"* goes into depth about this behavior and its potential benefits for birds' survival.

For further information, visit Cornell University’s article on the topic at https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/01/cavity-nesting-birds-decorate-snake-skin-deter-predators.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Jan 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM

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