Physical properties of fungal rhizomorphs of marasmioid basidiomycetes used as nesting material by birds

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The use of fungal rhizomorphs of marasmioid fungi (horsehair fungi) as nesting material, especially by tropical bird species, is a widespread but poorly documented phenomenon. I show in this first experimental examination of the physical properties of horsehair fungi, that the fungal rhizomorphs utilized by Icterus pustulatus have a significantly higher tensile strength and reduced water uptake than alternative fibres used to build nests. These results suggest an adaptive advantage for the use of marasmioid fungi in nest construction.

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Freymann, Bernd P. 2007. "<a href="https://repository.si.edu/handle/10088/11902">Physical properties of fungal rhizomorphs of marasmioid basidiomycetes used as nesting material by birds</a>." <em>Ibis</em>, 150, (2) 395–399. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00750.x">https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00750.x</a>.

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