Scientists solve mystery of how hummingbirds taste sweetness

Hummingbirds feel the sweet lure of nectar, but they taste it in the most unexpected of ways.

This group of feathered friends doesn’t have a sweet taste receptor, which means they shouldn’t be able to taste sweet at all. But a new study published Thursday in Science reveals that hummingbirds have repurposed their umami receptor (which recognizes meaty and savory flavors) to be able to taste nectar’s sweetness.

Read more on the National Geographic website at:
Scientists Solve Mystery of How Hummingbirds Taste Sweetness