Smelly Birds

29 Sep 2010 - More news from Down Under. Scientists say they are hoping to develop a deodorant for New Zealand's native birds to stop them falling prey to introduced predators. Canterbury researcher Jim Briskie said it appeared New Zealand birds suffered from body odor, making them an easy target for predators. Briskie said the kiwi bird smelled like mushrooms or ammonia, while the flightless kakapo parrot's odor was like 'musty violin cases".  To be honest, I do not not know what a bird is supposed to smell like but one wonders if the poor birdies will be less vulnerable (and tasty) if they smell after lily-of-the-valleys, green tea or lavender. Some of those introduced predators may have an exotic taste.