Bridging the gap : improving methodologies for future avian microbiome research
(2026) In Journal of Avian Biology 2026(2).- Abstract
Recent advances in the field of wild avian microbiome research have significantly deepened our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of bird–microbe interactions. Consequently, the field is now approaching a pivotal moment in uncovering the ultimate factors shaping avian microbiome structure, especially in relation to birds' ecological, evolutionary, and dietary diversity. Yet, avian microbiome researchers face persistent methodological challenges. Based on discussions from a round table session at the 2023 European Ornithologists' Union Congress in Lund, Sweden, which brought together researchers studying host–microbe interactions across avian systems, here we highlight shared obstacles and potential solutions to strengthen... (More)
Recent advances in the field of wild avian microbiome research have significantly deepened our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of bird–microbe interactions. Consequently, the field is now approaching a pivotal moment in uncovering the ultimate factors shaping avian microbiome structure, especially in relation to birds' ecological, evolutionary, and dietary diversity. Yet, avian microbiome researchers face persistent methodological challenges. Based on discussions from a round table session at the 2023 European Ornithologists' Union Congress in Lund, Sweden, which brought together researchers studying host–microbe interactions across avian systems, here we highlight shared obstacles and potential solutions to strengthen the prospects of the field. This work outlines and discusses key challenges faced, and considerations to be taken into account by avian microbiome researchers throughout the scientific process, while pinpointing areas of research that need attention to advance the field. Disseminating these insights can foster innovation and collaboration, while providing a roadmap for young and new scientists who are interested in the field of avian microbiomes.
(Less)
- author
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026-03
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- avian microbiome, bacterial communities, birds, microbiota, symbiosis
- in
- Journal of Avian Biology
- volume
- 2026
- issue
- 2
- article number
- e03594
- publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105034944935
- ISSN
- 0908-8857
- DOI
- 10.1002/jav.03594
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- additional info
- Publisher Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Avian Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic Society Oikos.
- id
- 854abb81-d0a6-40b3-bd9b-407faec50d67
- date added to LUP
- 2026-06-22 12:53:37
- date last changed
- 2026-06-29 14:39:42
@article{854abb81-d0a6-40b3-bd9b-407faec50d67,
abstract = {{<p>Recent advances in the field of wild avian microbiome research have significantly deepened our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of bird–microbe interactions. Consequently, the field is now approaching a pivotal moment in uncovering the ultimate factors shaping avian microbiome structure, especially in relation to birds' ecological, evolutionary, and dietary diversity. Yet, avian microbiome researchers face persistent methodological challenges. Based on discussions from a round table session at the 2023 European Ornithologists' Union Congress in Lund, Sweden, which brought together researchers studying host–microbe interactions across avian systems, here we highlight shared obstacles and potential solutions to strengthen the prospects of the field. This work outlines and discusses key challenges faced, and considerations to be taken into account by avian microbiome researchers throughout the scientific process, while pinpointing areas of research that need attention to advance the field. Disseminating these insights can foster innovation and collaboration, while providing a roadmap for young and new scientists who are interested in the field of avian microbiomes.</p>}},
author = {{Davies, Charli S. and Capilla-Lasheras, Pablo and Catelan-Carphio, Elena and Castro, Alejandro Corregidor and Diez-Méndez, David and Drobniak, Szymon M. and Drzewińska-Chańko, Joanna and Kohl, Kevin D. and Martínez-Renau, Ester and Ramellini, Samuele and Richardson, David S. and Ruuskanen, Suvi and Sutton, Alex O. and Szulkin, Marta and Troisi, Camille A. and White, Joël and Worsley, Sarah F. and Bodawatta, Kasun H. and Videvall, Elin}},
issn = {{0908-8857}},
keywords = {{avian microbiome; bacterial communities; birds; microbiota; symbiosis}},
language = {{eng}},
number = {{2}},
publisher = {{Wiley-Blackwell}},
series = {{Journal of Avian Biology}},
title = {{Bridging the gap : improving methodologies for future avian microbiome research}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jav.03594}},
doi = {{10.1002/jav.03594}},
volume = {{2026}},
year = {{2026}},
}