feather microbiota in passerine birds

The functional relevance of microbiomes is a key aspect for understanding host–microbiome interactions. Mammalian skin harbours a complex consortium of beneficial microorganisms known to provide health and immune-boosting advantages. As yet, however, little is known of functional microbial communities on avian feathers, including their co-evolution with the host and factors determining feather microbiome (FM) diversity. Using 16S rRNA profiling, we investigated how host species identity, phylogeny and geographic origin determine the FM in free-living passerine birds.