Crested Pigeons and brackish water

["Robert Read" <>]

    I was surprised to see a flock of Crested Pigeons drinking from a spring
that had a salt content of about 10 000 mg/L.  This is near the upper limit
for cattle, and humans would find it difficult to survive on.
I know that sea birds excrete salt through nasal glands.  Does anyone know
if inland birds have similar glands, or have some other means to cope with
such saline water?

Robert Read
Alice Springs

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