Olfactory abilities of birds - review of published results

Research of olfactory abilities obtained so far relatively limited attention due to its complex nature and methodological difficulties to study it. To address the challenges of avian olfactory research, we undertook a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature spanning four decades, with a particular focus on foraging behaviour. Our systematic review includes a comprehensive search of the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases and summarizes results of 80 experiments. Based on the results, we highlight significant biases in the study of avian olfactory foraging, emphasizing gaps in bird taxa, geographical regions, and methodological approaches. Relatively well-studied systems, such as those involving dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), provide still rather limited knowledge base, while systems involving frugivorous or nectarivorous birds remain underexplored. The predominance of studies in temperate regions further limits understanding in species-rich tropical areas. Methodological inconsistencies, particularly in reporting bird and odor characteristics, hinder comparative analyses. Future research should address these gaps by focusing on underrepresented groups, distinguishing between innate and learned olfactory behaviors, evaluating impact of environmental noise, and examining individual differences in response to volatile compounds. This comprehensive approach is crucial for advancing knowledge and developing targeted pest management and fruit dispersal strategies.<br>