Most birds do not seem to have much of a sense of smell. However, research has discovered that some birds can detect certain scents.  For example, recently a group of biologists recently reported that hummingbirds could indeed smell certain odors.

       In the case of the downy woodpecker, experts believe that downies have a more highly developed sense of smell than most of the birds that inhabit our backyards.  There is evidence that suggests that downy woodpeckers can detect formic acid.

       Why would this be advantage to North America’s smallest woodpecker?  This answer is simple; this ability enables them to locate insects such as termites, ants and bark beetles.