It is well documented that parrots in particular will eat clay, though the reasons for it remain obscure. A leading theory is that it provides a source of minerals, especially sodium, while others claim that the clay binds toxins in the bird’s diet. Clay is too fine to aid in grinding of food but some think it could line the digestive tract? Whatever the reason these Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were enjoying their muddy meal.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos enjoying a meal of clay at Bull’s Camp Reserve, Blue Mountains, NSW
Ahhh! That’s good!