Natural History Wanderings

The New York Times reports that new research show that the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) does use its sense of smell. A study cited in Biology Letters documents how young fledglings use smell to identify their parents. Previously it had been concluded that songbirds did use their sense of smell due to having a smaller olfactory bulbs than other birds. It is likely that other songbirds may use their sense of smell as well but that will need more research.  Additional research will also tell  if the Zebra Finch’s ability to identify parents by smell is learned or innate.

Read more:
New York Times  Zebra Finches’ Sense of Smell a Songbird Surprise
Biology Letters Olfactory kin recognition in a songbird