According to the latest study, great tits follow their fine noses in search of grain.
Great tit, finch, nuthatch and co are all without wings, feathers and beaks! But now researchers at the Konrad Lorenz Research Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna have discovered a special talent in their feathered protégés — namely, their fine sense of smell, which is apparently in no way inferior to that of dogs.
“We carefully captured a few birds and briefly numbed the sense of smell of a group with the smallest amount of harmless zinc sulphate. Then we put them out with other tits. The latter found their way back to their usual bird feeder much more quickly,” marveled the researchers Katharina Mahr and Herbert Ho.
Scientists’ Summary: Mother Nature has once again thought a lot for her children. Because the animals can find their way to the Körndl springs much faster by orienting themselves with the help of chemicals in the air. This is essential for survival, especially in winter.
Source: Krone

I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.