United States - December 10, 2024 Credit: Florida Atlantic University A groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University reveals how a wild bird’s gut microbiome is tied to its health and physical traits, such as ornamentation and body condition. Using the Northern cardinal, a bird renowned for its striking red plumage and beak, researchers discovered that the diversity of its gut microbiome could be predicted by its overall health and the quality of its ornamentation. The study, published in Oikos, highlights the connection between a cardinal’s vibrant coloration and its microbiome diversity, shedding light on how a bird’s internal health can influence its external appearance. “We found that a cardinal’s ‘sexiness,’ in the form of its red plumage and beak, signals its overall health,” said Dr. Rindy Anderson, senior author. The findings suggest that these traits, often linked to breeding success, could serve as a sign of the bird’s fitness and microbial diversity. This research has significant implications for conservation biology, providing insights that could improve animal health in wildlife hospitals, zoos, and breeding programs for endangered species.