Bacterial communities of nest material in hoopoes.

By experimental manipulation of the nest microbiota of hoopoes (Upupa epops) before reproduction started, we explore the hypothetical link between bacterial volatiles and enemies of their avian hosts. We estimated level of ectoparasitism of females and nestlings, composition of the microbial communities of nest materials and uropygial secretion, and the volatile profiles of the secretions and the nest-box environment during the nestling stage.