Maureen Baars, MSc

PhD project: Microbiome-mediated functions of avian preen glands - Understanding the chemosignalling and antimicrobial potentials

This project will investigate which microorganisms live in the preen glands of birds, and what – through preening of feathers – the contributions are of these microorganisms to the communication between birds and to the antimicrobial protection of their plumage. We do this by looking at a variety of species living in three habitat types (aquatic, riparian, and mesic) and differing in social behaviour (social or non-social). We expect to find associations between microbial functions and life history strategies of birds.