Researchers from the University of South Australia examined the surprising feeding habits of many bird species, focusing on their tendency to consume feces from themselves and other animals. The study, published in Biological Studies, sheds light on a behavior that has long fascinated scientists and puzzled observers in the wild.
Coprophagia, or feces eating, is a well-documented behavior among insects, mammals, and some domestic birds such as parrots. Yet for a long period, science paid little attention to how wild birds navigate this appetite. Evidence of similar practices has been observed in species like ostriches, partridges, ducks, vultures, crossbills, petrels, magpies, and others. This breadth of observation shows that coprophagy is not rare in avian life, but rather a widespread habit that invites deeper inquiry.
Within these bird populations, preferences vary. Some individuals favor the feces produced by members of their own species, while others are drawn to the scents and nutrients found in feces from dogs, whales, seals, cows, river otters, or mountain lions. These choices suggest a complex interplay between nutrition, microbial balance, and environmental cues that guide which feces is most beneficial in a given context.
One leading hypothesis is that digesting feces helps restore or maintain a healthy gut microbiome in birds, an idea that mirrors the broader human interest in fecal transplants used to rebalance gut bacteria. For instance, ostriches provide their young with their own feces, a feeding practice that appears to influence the developing gut microbiome of chicks. A 2023 study found that access to fresh feces accelerates the maturation of fledglings’ gut communities, potentially offering a developmental advantage during early life.
The motivation behind this behavior remains only partially understood. Scientists propose that coprophagy might contribute to nest cleanliness by reducing harmful waste buildup, while also helping adults balance their nutrient intake and microbial partners. In essence, the act could serve multiple functional roles, from digestion to social and reproductive signaling, depending on the species and ecological setting.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to uncover the driving incentives behind a bird’s choice to eat feces. The ongoing work will examine factors such as diet diversity, habitat quality, parental care strategies, and microbial ecology to build a more complete picture of why this odd habit persists in the avian world.
In related observations, some researchers have documented unusual human cultural practices that are sometimes described in speculative or anecdotal terms. These notes highlight how careful verification and cross-cultural understanding are essential in interpreting behavioral data, especially when comparing findings across species and human communities. Scholarly discussions emphasize corroboration, context, and the avoidance of overgeneralization when translating animal behavior research into broader claims. (Source: University of South Australia study)