These Jackdaws and Sika Deer Provide the Perfect Illustration of Wildlife Symbiosis

Symbiotic relationships are a beautiful part of nature’s design. This video by @tatar_travel shows just how mutually beneficial this relationship can be. From the outside, it looks like these jackdaws steal the fur from the sika deer to build their nests. However, it’s not stealing when the sika deer gets something more than just a haircut. Here’s how the co-existence of these animals helps their survival.

Deer Fur Creates the Perfect Nest

Jackdaws are part of the crow family and are native to the United Kingdom. They’re not picky with their nests and may reside inside chimneys, trees, or cliffs. Similarly, they’re also not picky regarding nest materials. These birds use anything from moss and sticks to animal hair to insulate their nests. While many birds scavenge for nesting materials, jackdaws won’t hesitate to (literally) take the fur off an animal’s back. In this case, the animal is a sika deer.

Thankfully, the deer doesn’t mind too much. They shed their winter fur in the springtime, which is used well with the jackdaws. Rather than going to waste, this fur makes for a perfectly lined nest that traps heat and cushions jackdaw eggs. The birds aren’t plucking hairs out as it might seem in the video; rather, they gently pull tufts, which fall out easily due to the springtime shed.

Birds Are the Perfect Groomers

The deer must also get something in exchange from the jackdaws for the relationship to be symbiotic. While they get free grooming, this is not all the crows offer in exchange for building materials. While the jackdaws pull tufts of hair, it’s not uncommon for them to stumble upon a pest or two. Deers are all too familiar with ticks, which are part of the jackdaw’s diet.

Therefore, these sika deer get help losing their winter coats and have professional tick-eaters at their disposal. The jackdaws are happy with the meal they’ve scavenged from the deer, while the deer are likely happy to be pest-free. The balance of this relationship proves that animals can evolve together, specifically when each one benefits.