Evidence supporting the microbiota-gut-brain axis in a songbird

In a captive population of 38 adult Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we quantified individual variation in performance on cognitive tasks that measure motor learning and memory. We sampled the gut microbiome via cloacal swab before and after testing, quality-filtered bacterial sequences, and quantified alpha and beta diversity. This study provides some of the first evidence of an avian microbiota-gut-brain axis, setting the stage for future research including understanding the gut microbiome in wild populations and during critical developmental stages.