The diet–intestinal microbiota dynamics and adaptation in an elevational migration bird, the Himalayan bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus)

Abstract

AbstractMigratory birds experience changes in their environment and diet during seasonal migrations, thus requiring interactions between diet and gut microbes. Understanding the co‐evolution of the host and gut microbiota is critical for elucidating the rapid adaptations of avian gut microbiota. However, dynamics of gut microbial adaptations concerning elevational migratory behavior, which is prevalent but understudied in montane birds remain poorly understood. We focused on the Himalayan bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus) in the montane forests of Mt. Gongga to understand the diet–gut microbial adaptations of elevational migratory birds. Our findings indicate that elevational migratory movements can rapidly alter gut microbial composition and function within a month. There was a significant interaction between an animal‐based diet and gut microbiota across migration stages, underscoring the importance of diet in shaping microbial communities. Furthermore, the gut microbial composition of T. rufilatus may be potentially altered by high‐altitude acclimatization. An increase in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism was observed in response to low temperatures and limited resources, resulting in enhanced energy extraction and nutrient utilization. Moreover, microbial communities in distinct gut segments varied in relative abundance and responses to environmental changes. While the bird jejunum exhibited greater susceptibility to food and environmental fluctuations, there was no significant difference in metabolic capacity among gut segments. This study provides initial evidence of rapid diet–gut microbial changes in distinct gut segments of elevational migratory birds and highlights the importance of seasonal sample collection. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the unique high‐altitude adaptation patterns of the gut microbiota for montane elevational migratory birds.