1. Not the Territory

    Not the Territory Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

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    Avians. Olfactory Pleasure.

    Discussion in 'Research' started by Not the Territory, Sep 3, 2020.

    No help from Google on this.

    Are there any scents that birds are known to enjoy? Ideally something more complex than 'yay food.' Doesn't matter what kind of bird.
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    The answer appears to be: We don't know.

    At least some birds do have an olfactory capacity, but apparently not much is known about their general ability to perceive smells. We know that some birds use smell to locate food (carion in particular), but other than that, we're not too sure.

    https://www.audubon.org/news/do-birds-have-sense-smell
     
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  3. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

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  4. Naomasa298

    Naomasa298 HP: 10/190 Status: Confused Contributor

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    Presumably hummingbirds can probably smell pollen and nectar, as that's what they feed on. Only conjecturing though.
     
  5. Not the Territory

    Not the Territory Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

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    Thank you all for the help, guys. I had a feeling it was a long shot in the dark anyway. It looks like biologists have largely just pinned down the utilitarian aspect (which is hard enough to test as it is).
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2020

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