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The takeaway: Microplastics have been discovered in species around the world–and now are found in migratory songbirds in the U.S. While upsetting, there is a lot you can do to help.

It has become common to hear about the impact of microplastics in sea turtles, whales, and even humans.

These tiny pieces of plastic–less than 5 mm in diameter–are the byproduct of the breakdown over time of larger pieces of plastic from items like shopping bags and water bottles, and they are also found in some cosmetics. The full effects of microplastics on a body are still being researched, but they are known to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and even DNA damage.

But these insidious pieces of plastic are perhaps more prominent and widespread than previously understood. A new study reveals that they are now found in an unexpected place–migratory songbirds.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They come either from the breakdown of larger plastic items or from original manufacturing, mostly in cosmetics. They are a form of pollution and have been found in food, water, and even air.

The primary sources of microplastics are microbeads in cosmetics and toothpaste, and from microfibers that shed from clothing made from polyester or nylon. So-called secondary microplastics come from the breakdown of plastic bags, bottles, wraps, containers, nets, artificial turf, and others.

Microplastics have been found almost everywhere on the planet, from mountain tops to the bottoms of the ocean. Since they are ingested by marine life, they easily become part of the food chain, and have been identified in drinking water, salt, and honey.

Plastic pollution is particularly harmful to the environment since plastic takes centuries to break down. The chemicals in plastics can create health issues and can act as pollution carriers from one organism to another.

Microplastics in Songbirds

A study from U.S.-based researchers shows that microplastics are more prominent in the environment than previously understood.

The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, analyzed samples collected from the lower gastrointestinal tracts of six bird species–tree swallow, ovenbird, dark-eyed junco, hermit thrush, Tennessee warbler, and white-throated sparrow. The tree swallows were collected from sites in Wisconsin, and the other five species were adult migratory bird fatalities from window strikes at a study site in Chicago.

Results from the studies show that the lower GI tracts of all of the species had different types of microplastics–particularly fibers, with the most common plastic types being polyethylene and nylon.

How the plastics got there varies by species. In the case of tree swallows, researchers think it could be from eaten aquatic insects. The other birds likely got the plastics through picking invertebrate prey from the ground, perhaps through drinking water or directly via accidental consumption.

What You Can Do to Help

Many of the birds in this study are common visitors to smart bird feeders. Dark-eyed juncos and white-throated sparrows are common feeder visitors, while hermit thrushes may visit as well, though less frequently than the others. These birds are most frequently seen at feeders when their natural food sources become scarce.

While the thought of songbirds consuming microplastics is distressing, there is a lot you can do to help.

  • Use reusables: Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee mug to avoid plastic

  • Use fabric bags: Avoid single-use plastic bags while shopping and use your own fabric bag instead

  • Store food in non-plastic containers: Put leftovers in glass or ceramic containers

  • Filter water before filling your bird bath: Certain filters can remove microplastics from water

  • Choose clothes with natural fibers: Opt for cotton or linen instead of nylon and polyester

  • Wash less: Wash synthetic clothing less often, use cold water, and only do full loads

  • Watch the labels on cosmetics: Look for microplastic-free certifications, support ethical brands, and be on the lookout for ingredients with “poly”, “acryl”, or “meth” in the name, which may indicate the presence of plastic

You can also help by keeping your smart bird feeder well stocked with healthy, nutritious bird food. In birds, ingested plastics can lead to starvation, digestive tract damage, reduced growth, and impeded feeding. By providing a steady diet of healthy bird food, you’re helping to offer a food source that these birds may need.

 

Browse FeatherSnap smart bird feeders here.