Nests are parasite-free: house sparrow

1 of 2 Wróbelek /

The nests of house sparrows are kept free of parasitic insects by a lining of leaves from the neem tree, containing insect-repelling compounds.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from biotic factors >
	Animals

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Biological pest control products, architectural designs that deter insects.

> Visit strategy page

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"During an outbreak of malaria in Calcutta during 1998, Dr. Dushim Sengupta and fellow scientists at Calcutta's Center for Nature Conservation and Human Survival were surprised to witness house sparrows lining their nests with (and also eating) leaves from the paradise flower tree (Caesalpina pulcherrima), a species whose leaves are rich in the anti-malarial drug quinine. Confirming that their choice of leaves was deliberate, the sparrows swiftly gathered fresh leaves of this same species when the scientists removed those already lining their nests. Moreover, before the malaria outbreak, these birds has been using leaves from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) for nest lining. These contain high concentrations of insect-repellent compounds, which are of great benefit to birds rearing nestlings, who are vulnerable to diseases spread by insects and to nest-dwelling parasitic insects." (Shuker 2001:216-218)

About the inspiring organism

House Sparrow
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
[House sparrow]

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Habitat(s): Artificial - Aquatic, Artificial - Terrestrial, Forest, Grassland, Rocky Areas, Shrubland, Wetlands

Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Biological pest control products, architectural designs that deter insects.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Pest control, agriculture, architecture

References

Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.

Nests are parasite-free: house sparrow

Content tools

Curator of this page

Comments