Birds use scents to seduce mates

Researchers at Michigan State University, the United States, found, the male bird process focused attention on himself through chemical communication as one of the current problems of behavioral ecology. The scent is used in the biological world for many purposes, such as finding, attracting and seducing mates.

This is the first study to demonstrate that birds are attracted to scent , according to Danielle Whittaker, director of the Center for Evolutionary Research in Beacon Action, Michigan State University, USA.

The male bird is smaller, but more aromatic will be favored by the female birds.

We often watch commercial commercials about the features of a perfume: when male models spray perfume on their bodies, there are many beautiful girls or even angels gathered around. this model guy. Surprisingly, male birds also deployed a similar tactic, when they used perfume released from the aroma glands located on their tails to preen. However, this fragrance is not only to attract the attention of female birds, but it also has the unintended effect of attracting other male birds.

This is like the " Ax effect ", (a type of male soap that the manufacturer thinks women are attracted to this characteristic masculine scent, scents not found throughout the body but made giving passersby a sense of chivalry) and as a result the females were fascinated by this scent, it fell in love and did not bother to find out what the male bird was like, how, wear Although the birds in these populations appear differently and behave differently, Whittaker said. " And I think the males have created a positive response to their scent more specifically than the scent of other males ."

Previously, people thought that songbirds (songbirds) hardly used olfactory bulb, because they had very small olfactory bulb compared to brain size among all birds. Recently, however, researchers have discovered that songbirds have a large number of olfactory receptors so they are able to sense scents in their own way .

So, Whittaker and colleagues in Ellen Ketterson's lab, at Indiana University, USA, were not surprised to discover birds using scents to attract mates. They feel excited, when they know how attractive the scent is among populations and sexuality. Another interesting thing: When you have to choose, the female birds prefer the smell of smaller male birds.

" However, in a previous study, when researchers observed birds in the wild, females tended to prefer larger males with more colorful and eye-catching feathers. " , she said. " Based on these results, I hope to discover how and why small males can try to compensate for their less attractive bodies by creating large amounts of steamy scents. lead . "

Research Center for Evolution in Beacon Action, Michigan State University, USA, funded by the National Science Foundation, which has partnerships with the Center for Science and Technology Research at the University North Carolina A&T State, University of Idaho, University of Texas and Washington University.