Macaws and parrots of the Amazon rainforest have developed a particular taste for clay.
Red-and-Green Macaw at a clay lick in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.
Photo credit:jorgeluizpsjr/Shutterstock.com
But why do these birds eat clay?
One of the most accepted theory is because they lack sodium in their diet.
So animals often obtain sodium from salt licks.
the ability to absorb toxins, than that of unused areas of the clay licks.
Rather, the birds prefer soil that have higher levels of sodium.
The parrots avoided eating the layers above and below the preferred layer.
This layer was found to have much higher levels of sodium than those above and below.
Red-and-green macaws at a clay lick in Manu National Park.
Research byAlan Lee et al.
Where to see clay licks?
Distribution of known parrot claylicks in South America.
The licks at Yasuni National Park, in Ecuador is another hot spot catered to tourists.
Photo credit:Brian Ralphs/Flickr
Macaws and parrots at clay lick in Tambopata National Reserve, Peru.
Photo credit:Salparadis/Shutterstock.com
Photo credit:Aftab Uzzaman/Flickr
Macaw parrots on a clay lick.
Photo credit:Sophie Karolczak/Shutterstock.com
Macaws in clay lick in the Peruvian Amazon jungle at Madre de Dios Peru.
Photo credit:Andy Wilcock/Shutterstock.com
Macaws at claylick near Manu National Park Peru.
Photo credit:Marieke Funke/Shutterstock.com
