We were just talking about this over in the unusual parrots forum (which I just realized is the wrong forum LOL). I think it's very interesting. Karen suggested that the macaws skin patches could also serve the same purpose. I just love the way animals work, so clever.
I'll send you some of our frost, Jess, we've been getting enough! It's been between 1 and 3 degrees every morning here lately. And that's till about 9am, when it all starts to melt. Been great during the day, just freezing at night and morning.