what are opium birds

Opium birds are parrots that have been observed in India and Tasmania eating poppy plants, which naturally produce opium. The birds have been reported to cause damage to poppy crops, despite farmers attempts to scare them off. While some reports have suggested that the birds are addicted to the narcotic alkaloids in the poppy seeds, experts believe that it is more likely that the birds are attracted to the high fat and protein content of the seeds, which are very nutritious for them.