Birds in Norway contribute to a vast biodiversity, with each species occupying a more or less unique niche in our natural environment. They are crucial components of the ecosystem, and by observing them over time and across locations, we can gain insights into climate change and the overall state of our environment. The EBP-Nor project (Earth BioGenome Project Norway) has made significant progress in mapping the genomes of Norwegian birds, thanks to skilled colleagues with taxonomic and ecological expertise who have provided access to invaluable samples.
Among the non-vulnerable species we’ve sequenced, there are several from the sparrow family. The Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), with its powerful beak capable of cracking tough seeds, and the colorful Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), the symbol of spring. The easily recognizable Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) is known for its distinct song, while the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), our smallest and most common bird, sings a melancholic and melodic tune. The lively Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus) thrives in Norwegian forests, and the Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), with its iconic red chest, is a beloved symbol of winter and the holidays. The Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea), known for its remarkable ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst, is a year-round resident in Norway. The Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), with its less melodic song, is a worm-hunting specialist often seen hopping across fields, lawns, and even in home gardens. The Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), part of the shrike family, is a migratory bird found in southern Norway that preys on large insects, reptiles, small rodents, and occasionally smaller birds. Remarkably, it often impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire to consume later.
Another familiar bird often seen near human habitation is the Magpie (Pica pica), with its black and white plumage and long, iridescent green tail feathers. Its flight is distinct, featuring quick wingbeats followed by short gliding phases. In Norway, magpies are associated with various superstitions, such as predicting good or bad weather based on their flight patterns. Furthermore, If a magpie screamed near a house, was perched on the roof, or pecked at walls, it was believed to foretell visitors. A scream at night signaled fire, and perching on livestock was seen as an ominous sign.
While mapping the genomes of Norway’s resilient birds, EBP-Nor also keeps a close eye on more vulnerable species. Among sparrows, we have sequenced the Eurasian Greenfinch (Chloris chloris), which is now vulnerable, likely due to the disease Trichomoniasis (caused by the Trichomonas parasite). Beyond the sparrow family, we have sequenced the iconic Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), which is critically endangered in Norway due to climate change and has been fully protected since 1965. Its population fluctuates significantly with the availability of prey like lemmings and mice, leading to large annual variations in numbers. Known for its silent flight—enabled by unique feather structures—the Snowy Owl is well-adapted to cold climates with its white plumage and thick insulating down.
Another iconic species in need of attention is the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), also known as the "sea parrot." Although it remains one of the most common seabirds along Norway’s coast, it is highly threatened. Pollution from oil and fishing equipment poses significant risks to its population, and because the puffin lays only one egg per breeding season, population recovery is challenging after declines.
EBP-Nor has also sequenced Norway’s national bird, the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus). This strong, small bird thrives along running rivers and is known for its skilled diving abilities. Lastly, but not least, we have sequenced the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Norway’s largest diving duck. Its genome has been published in Journal of Heredity https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esae042.
EBP-Nor continues its work to collect samples from many other characteristic Norwegian bird species. We rely heavily on support from colleagues or hobby ornithologists who can contribute feather or blood samples from individual birds. This project requires collaboration across all of Norway, so if you have the means to collect samples from a species we have yet to sequence, please reach out! Together, we can enhance our understanding of birdlife and support the conservation of biodiversity.
Much of the information about each species was sourced from the Great Norwegian Encyclopedia (Store Norske Leksikon). You can learn more about the species EBP-Nor has studied, such as the Snowy Owl https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.05.602039 and the Atlantic Puffin https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh1407. Keep an eye on our website, where we publish articles and genome assemblies for each species sequenced by EBP-Nor.
