Blue Tits' Nest-Building Affected By Climate Change

Climate change is affecting the way blue tits are building their nests, according to a recent research article from University of Lincoln.

Dr. Charles Deeming, senior lecturer and an author of the article, found that blue tits' nests aren't just for holding the eggs, but also represent the weather of the region.

"Over the past few years scientific interest in nests has increased, with studies ranging from nest composition, construction behaviour and thermal properties to the use of nests as potential signals to mates. We've realised that the factors affecting nest construction are far more complex than we had previously understood," said Dr. Deeming, senior lecturer at the University of Lincoln and a Fellow of the Society of Biology.

Deeming observed blue tits at the University's Riseholme Park campus and found that the birds made nests according to the weather during the breeding seasons. If it was cold, the birds would make heavy nests lined with moss and sheep wool to keep the nest warm. During days that were hot, the birds would make lighter nests.

However, with unpredictable temperatures due to climate change, the blue tits end up building nests that aren't suitable. For example, in the years 2011 and 2012, the temperatures were higher at the beginning of winters, but lowered some time later.

Also, change in climate could lead to a certain plant going extinct in a region which in turns affects birds depending on it for survival.

"Climate change will have a large effect on our ecosystems and our food production, and Dr Deeming's is one of many studies demonstrating that the effects will be complex and difficult to predict. It is essential that we continue to study how organisms adapt to climate change and how we can best mitigate its effects," said Dr. Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, according to a news release.

The study is published in the journal The Biologist.

According to estimates by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, the average temperature on Earth has increased by 1.4°F over the past century, and is expected to rise by 2 to 11.5°F over the next century.