'Vampire' sparrow: Strange bird that drinks blood to survive

In fact, the Galapagos Islands are home to 13 different species of finches that evolved from a common ancestor. To adapt to their own environment, each species of sparrow adjusts its diet. There are birds that like to eat insects, seeds, pistils. and there are species that like to drink blood from large seabirds like the 'vampire' sparrow.

Darwin Island and Wolf Island have harsh weather conditions and scarce food, even in the dry season there is no food. Therefore, "vampire" sparrows have to eat parasites on the skin and feathers of large birds that live on the island such as some seabirds, red-footed boobies. Over time, they begin to suck blood in their intestines. when catching parasites. However, this behavior is only performed when other food sources such as seeds and insects are scarce, forcing them to drink blood to survive.

"Vampire" sparrows use their sharp beaks to peck at the wings of large birds and drink blood. Because large birds are used to sparrows helping to "clean up" parasites on their bodies, they do not fight back when their blood is sucked.

According to scientists, sparrows drinking blood is an unusual behavior and this is "evolution" to adapt to the environment.

Blood contains few essential nutrients but too much salt and iron. But because the digestive system of "vampire" sparrows possesses a type of Peptostreptococcaceae intestinal bacteria capable of digesting these two substances, when necessary, they are ready to use this "food" source.

Even if there is no food, they also attack seabirds and their young to drink the blood that flows out.

Not only do they drink blood, "vampire" sparrows also steal eggs from other species, then push the eggs against rocks with their feet until they break to eat. Due to the scarcity of food, to survive, this "vampire" sparrow also eats bird droppings and fish left over from other predators.

Jessica Tanner

Update 27 August 2024