can birds taste

[suntrecker]

I have been told to ask by the wife........do birds have taste....no I mean can they taste. ? Do we know if they can. Just have to know the answer. Thanks for any help.

[Hedera]

They must have some taste, or else they wouldn't avoid certain insects and caterpillars.

[Picidae]

Yes they have some taste but far fewer taste buds than large mammals for example and the 'tastes' aren't defined in the same way or have the same responses. Also don't forget that 'taste' is also bound up with olfactory responses too and birds do not have a particularly well developed olfactory system.

You may find this article interesting: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/vi...wdmbirdcontrol

[suntrecker]

Thank you both for your replies, that was very interesting.....just had to ask.