Captive parrot interspecific and intraspecific variation in gastrointestinal microbiota composition revealed by large-scale profiling
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Parrots (Psittaciformes) are the most popular pet birds kept throughout the world. It is estimated that presently about half of the global parrot population lives in captivity. However, domestic parrots are susceptible to numerous health issues, with digestive and behavioural disorders being the most commonly reported. Such disorders can be linked to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota either directly or via gut-brain axis. Yet, the parrot GIT microbiota is largely unexplored, which limits the potential for therapeutic use of probiotics in veterinary practice. Here, we addressed the interspecific and intraspecific variation in parrot-associated bacterial diversity by assessing healthy captive parrots’ GIT bacterial microbiota composition through 16 S rRNA profiling. We analysed faecal and oral microbiota of 286 individuals from 66 parrot species. Faecal and oral microbiota differed in composition, with oral microbiota having significantly higher alpha diversity and lower interindividual variation. We did not find any core OTU or bacterial genus present in faecal or oral samples of all individuals or species studied. Yet, the genera Corynebacterium and Streptococcus were represented in over 90% of the oral samples. Lactobacillus was predominant in faeces (75% of the samples). Our results reveal high interspecific and intraspecific variation in both faecal and oral microbiota, with host species and owner identity being the most important factors influencing microbial composition and diversity. Individuals representing the same parrot species or genus shared similar microbiotas, but deeper phylogenetic lineages showed only low levels of phylosymbiosis. Similarities in the composition of the parrot oral microbiota were more strongly aligned with phylogeny than similarities observed in the faecal microbiota. Sampling date exerted minor yet significant effects on microbial composition, and sex had an additional effect in the oral microbiota. This study provides presently the most comprehensive characterisation of the GIT microbiota composition and its variation in parrots. Comparing a wide range of healthy captive parrots, we uncover the main factors contributing to microbiome diversity. Our results offer a reference for further research aimed at investigation of the physiological effects of GIT bacteria and the development of novel veterinary therapeutics.
Source: Animal Microbiome
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W7204146156
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