Red-and-green Macaw
More appropriately known as Green-winged Macaws. Why are parrots, some other types of birds, and even mammals attracted to clay banks along streams and rivers in the Amazon jungle? Why do they eat the clay? Some of these clay licks are known as salt licks. Experts think the reason is to augment a sodium-poor diet. The belief is that there is a connection between clay-eating and the fact that the western Amazon Basin is lacking in salt.
Country Peru
Location Manu National Park Tambo Blanquillo Clay Lick
Gender Unknown
Age Adult
Activity Feeding in the Wild
- Created Timestamp07/01/2017 09:20:20
- CameraDMC-FZ300
- Aperture2.8
- Focal Length100.5
- Iso250
- Shutter Speed1/1000
- Orientation1
Interesting!
At one time it was thought the clay neutralized toxic materials in the food the parrots ate. That theory is somewhat disputed now. Apparently the exact reason is still uncertain. This is a link to an interesting article concerning this same clay lick. What ever the reason, it is an exciting spectacle to watch and photograph.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/09/07/547981850/why-do-parrots-and-people-eat-clay