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Practice Makes Perfect for Nest-Building Weavers

Editor — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:45:37 +0000

It has long been assumed that the nest building skills of birds are instinctive, but new research has revealed that building a nest could very well be a learned skill. Following and filming the activities of male Southern Masked Weavers in Botswana over a period of three months, researchers noted that not all nests are created equal. As the name of the bird suggests, Southern Masked Weavers use a weaving technique when constructing their nests from local grasses. However, the method of nest building varied between birds with some weaving from left to right and others weaving from right to left. It was also noted that they appeared to learn from their mistakes, and while a bird may regularly drop blades of grass when it first starts its nest building process, it soon learns to adjust its technique to prevent this.

The brightly colored African bird was chosen as the test subject for the study for a number of reasons. Their complex nests which hang from trees either as single units or multiple intertwined condominiums are seen as evidence of above average intelligence. Also, a single bird will build several nests in a season, allowing the research team to note the differences in nests built by the same bird.

Working with scientists from Botswana, researchers from the universities of St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow noted that the fact that the Southern Masked Weaver birds displayed marked variations in their approach to nest building reveals that they may learn from experience. At this point, however, it is not clear whether they have the mental capacity to learn, or their improvement in skills can be attributed to repetition of a task. Researchers also pointed out that observing this behavior in one bird species does not imply that it would apply to all birds. One of the scientists taking part in the study, Dr. Patrick Walsh of Edinburgh University’s School of Biological Sciences, noted that if birds built their nests instinctively according to a genetic template, it would follow that all birds would build all their nests in the same way every time, but this has not been the case. Summing it up nicely, Dr. Walsh was reported as saying: “Even for birds, practice makes perfect.”

Pigeons Can Recognize Human Faces

Editor — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:33:36 +0000

It seems that years of sharing space with humans and being forced to adapt to changes in city lifestyles, has taught pigeons a few tricks that are quite remarkable to say the least. They might seem to most people just ordinary birds, but on taking a closer look pigeons are actually highly intelligent and are able to differentiate between humans, not by the clothes they wear, as they have learnt that clothing changes, but by facial recognition, which is extremely remarkable.

The perception capabilities of pigeons were tested previously in a laboratory, but researchers of the University of Paris Quest Nanterre La Defense decided to take their next experiment into the “wild” so to speak, to see how undomesticated pigeons would react. To ensure that the test would be performed as accurately as possible, two researchers were selected who shared the same build and skin color, but wore laboratory coats of different color. These two researchers then went out into the park to feed the pigeons. The first researcher threw out the food and then stood back ignoring them, giving them the opportunity to eat the food without being disturbed. The second also threw out food, but then chased them away, being hostile towards the pigeons.

For the second session, both researchers were told not to chase the pigeons, and allow them to eat, but the pigeons had remembered who the hostile researcher was and avoided her. They decided to repeat the session a few times over, even getting the researchers to swop their lab coats, but still the pigeons would avoid the researcher who was hostile on their first encounter. This confirmed the suspicions of the team, that the pigeons relied on facial recognition to detect hostiles.

Facial recognition is not a new skill in the bird world, and other researchers have discovered in previous years that birds such as magpies and jackdaws are also able to recognize humans according to their facial features. So next time you think about chasing away a bird, think twice about your actions, as you might not remember which bird you were hostile to, but they are more than likely going to remember you!

Crows Know How

Editor — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:08:00 +0000

Researchers and scientists have been studying the New Caledonian crow for a number of years now. It has proven to be a bird with extraordinary capabilities, able to solve problems and use tools to gain access to food. This remarkable talent has led to numerous papers being published in regard to the intelligence of the crow. It seems that researchers wanted more and believed that the crows’ problem solving skills could be pushed a little further, and they were right. New tests have shown that crows are able to devise plans and show extreme caution in unfamiliar circumstances.

The first round of research was done to see how crows make use of tools to forage. Researchers gave the crows a three phase puzzle which was solved successfully. They first used a short stick to retrieve a longer stick, which they then had to use to get to their food which was placed in a hole. This test already stunned researchers, but the crows have now shown that they use tools for various other actions as well.

Over and above using sticks to find food, it seems that New Caledonian crows also use sticks to look at objects they deem to be potentially dangerous. Instead of inspecting it closely, they make use of their sticks to take a look around first before approaching something they are unfamiliar with. Dr. Joanna Wimpenny, a research zoologist on the team is very excited about the new findings, saying: “Evidence is building up that they’re able to plan their actions in advance, which is very interesting from a cognition point of view. It isn’t just that they’re responding in a pre-programmed sort of way. It seems possible they may potentially view a problem and know what the answer is.”

To test this, a rubber snake was used in one instance. The crow moved a little closer, but showed signs of being hesitant. He then used a tool to prod the snake a few times and after seeing no movement, he quickly pulled on the tail while jumping backwards. Once he was sure that the rubber snake posed no danger, he approached completely and began pecking on it. These tests and research prove that crows have an intricate thought process. Further behavioral studies are underway to find out more about these fascinating birds and their intelligent problem solving abilities.

Breakthrough in Understanding Bird Intelligence

Editor — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:46:45 +0000

Humans and primates have always been seen as intelligent due to the ability to solve problems and create tools to assist in various labors. But there is another creature that uses its tool making skills every day: the New Caledonian Crow. Similar in size to the normal House Crow, New Caledonian Crows can be distinguished by their less slender look, and their rich feathers that often shine in shades of dark blue and purple. They are all black in color, with chiseled features, and have very advanced skills that give the phrase “bird-brain” new meaning.

Scientists have been researching New Caledonian Crows and are ready to release their findings in regard to the abilities of this fascinating bird. It has always been known that these crows make use of tools in the wild to obtain food. They create tools from screw pine leaves by using their beaks to cut away the leafy edges to form a narrow strip that they are able to use to scratch in small holes to extract insects. Researchers decided to put the skills of the crows to the test, not by asking them to perform a one step task, but by giving them various options and multi-step tasks to complete. Some birds were able to assess the situation and complete their tasks on their first try, while others were able to figure out the solution to the problem within their first four attempts.

One of the tests given to the crows involved a piece of meat that was placed in a box, but was out of their reach. They were then given a short stick, and a long stick was placed in another box. The crows quickly established that the short stick was too short to retrieve the meat, but long enough to retrieve the longer stick and completed their task, which was rewarded by the tasty treat. Another test gave the crows a straight wire to remove a small bucket from a hole, containing meat. Here, the crows assessed the situation and used their skills to bend the straight wire into a hook to retrieve their food. Zoologist, Professor Alex Kacelnik, from the University of Oxford commented: “These animals learn something interesting, no doubt, and can use its flexibly to generate new behavior, a feat that until a couple of decades ago was thought to be restricted to humans and other apes.” Research has also shown that adults teach their young the skills they know, ensuring that the next generation is also able to solve food related problems. One fact is for certain: humans will never look at crows in the same light again. They have proven to have extraordinary skills and the ability to manufacture tools.

Eclectus Parrot Ownership is Rewarding

Editor — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:50:12 +0000

When people look for a pet bird to join their family, most owners want a one that can be affectionate, a great companion and that has the ability to fit into their daily routines. The Eclectus parrot is often overlooked as a pet bird, and owners unknowingly miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a bird that is loving, intelligent and easily manageable, if they know what their basic needs are. This breathtakingly beautiful bird is not demanding at all and is actually one of the best pet parrots on the market today.

The most distinguishing feature of the Eclectus parrot is the fact that they are dimorphic. Dimorphic means that one can distinguish between the males and females just by looking at them. In the case of the Eclectus, it is the vastly different coloring that makes it easy. The male Eclectuses are covered in green plumage with variations of orange, blue and red under their wings. Their beaks are also unusually orange in color. The females are just as attractive as the males, but have bright red plumage covering their heads and neck, with their backs and chest being purple in color and their wings displaying variations of purple and blue underneath. The females have smooth black beaks. Another unique feature is the fact that the Eclectus parrot has hair-like feathers on their heads, back and chest, opposed to the smooth, locked and contoured feathers on their wings and tails.

As pets, owners will find their Eclectus parrot to be extremely gentle and fond of interaction, even though they will never demand it. They are able to integrate into the daily routines of their owners quite easily and will sit quietly while daily duties are being performed. Through enough love and care, Eclectus parrots will be able to learn a large vocabulary and their inquisitiveness makes them quick learners. They are highly intelligent birds and will quickly notice small changes in their environment. The Eclectus species is generally a healthy bird with a life span of approximately fifty years. They have simple dietary needs of fruit and seeds and enjoy changes made in their food, such as grapes one day and maybe apples the next. Owners will not regret adding an Eclectus parrot to their family, as their gentle and friendly natures make them a pet family and friends can enjoy.

Mustached Parakeets

Editor — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:51:02 +0000

When looking at the Mustached Parakeet, it is evident that belonging to the same family does not mean that you share the same characteristics. The Mustached Parakeet is related to the Ringneck Parakeet, and is often referred to as a Java Mustached Parakeet. These colorful little parrots make wonderful pets and their laid back attitude assist them in being great companions. Just as any other captive birds, Mustached Parakeets have certain dietary needs to ensure their health and welfare.

This fascinating bird has coined its name from the mustache-like markings that is found on its face and once the birds have reached maturity, the males’ beaks are orange in color, while the females are recognized by their black beaks. Growing to approximately thirty three centimeters and weighing on average a hundred and thirty grams, the Mustached Parakeet is a small parrot. They have predominantly green plumage, lighter coloring on their heads with a blue tinge and indentifying salmon to pink colored plumage on their chests.

Being extremely intelligent means that the Mustached Parakeet can get bored very easily, and therefore needs an assortment of chew toys and toys that can stimulate their thought process. Spacious cages are also recommended. When compared to the Ringneck Parakeet, the Mustached Parakeet is much calmer and can speak clearer than its counterpart. They are playful and social birds, but can test their boundaries if they have not been disciplined correctly. In the wild, these birds travel in flocks and can get very lonely if they are without a companion and do not get sufficient attention from their owners. In their natural habitat, these birds will feed on a variety of foods which include seeds, fruit and berries, and it is therefore recommended that owners seek advice from their veterinarian to ensure that the correct diet is followed.

Mustached Parakeets are very popular pets but many owners do not research their choice of pet or species and can be surprised by their natural call, which is quite vocal. Before any pet owner decides to purchase a parrot or any captive bird is it essential that they know what their care involves and how to ensure the health and welfare of these magnificent birds.

African Grey Parrots – Challenging but Rewarding Pets

Editor — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:46:22 +0000

Though the colors of other parrot species are more spectacular, the intelligence of the African Grey makes it one of the most popular parrot species when it comes to choosing a pet bird. The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a medium-sized bird that is commonly found in rainforests in both West and Central Africa and it feeds mainly on nuts, fruits and leafy matter.

Most people do not realize that there are two subspecies of African Grey – the Congo and the Timneh. Both of these are predominantly grey in color, with a pale-grey bottom and a featherless rim of light grey to white skin around their eyes. The short feathers on their necks have paler margins and this makes the neck look scalloped. But this is where the similarities end. The Timnah has a dark maroon tail and a light upper mandible while the Congo has a black beak and a bright red tail. The Congo African Grey also has a sleeker appearance. The Congo African Grey is the more popular choice when it comes to choosing a pet parrot. Potential parrot traders do well to note that the trade of wild caught species is restricted to ensure the longevity of these magnificent birds.

What makes these birds so appealing is not their coloring, but their intelligence. The African Grey is generally regarded as being the most intelligent bird on our planet. Research indicates that captive African Greys are capable of associating a number of human words with their meanings to some extent – though some dispute these conclusions. There have been reports of certain individual birds having a vocabulary of about a thousand words and even having the capability to string these words together into often comprehensive sentences. Despite the debates that rage around the performance of these remarkable individuals, it is definitely clear that African Greys are amongst the most intelligent of bird species.

The idea of keeping these magnificent birds as pets is not a new one. It would seem that the earliest record of pet parrots is taken from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is also known that the Greeks and Romans kept pet parrots and that these were valued as pets of the wealthy – especially if they could talk. Indeed, they continued to be enjoyed as valued companions throughout history and King Henry VIII even had an African Grey. Most parrots found in the pet trade today are hand-reared by breeders. If you are considering buying a baby bird, you should pay careful attention to how their breeder chooses to raise them as their suitability as a pet will be greatly affected by this.

Many find that keeping a pet African Grey is a weighty but rewarding responsibility. These birds usually require quite a lot of personal attention and failure to see to their needs could result in behavioral problems. The bird will need plenty of interesting toys to keep it busy when its owner is unavailable. A suitably large cage will be needed for the bird and this will have to be cleaned regularly. While many still advocate the clipping of the bird’s wings, it would seem that research has shown that this generally has a detrimental effect on the bird’s health and it is not recommended. Bird owners will also need to be careful about what they feed their birds. African Greys need plenty of calcium and vitamin A and there are a number of foods – such as chocolate and avocado – which are potentially detrimental to the bird’s health. However, all these factors should not put you off owning one of these magnificent birds and some would argue that they make one of the best pets available.

New Caledonian Crows in the Spotlight

Editor — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:30:04 +0000

New Caledonian crows are well-known for their resourceful use of tools in the wild. They have been observed using their beaks to skillfully shape twigs into bug-grabbing devices in a way that some researchers believe to be so advanced that it rivals the abilities of some primates. In an effort to find out more about these intelligent birds, that are easily disturbed and therefore difficult to observe, scientists have developed an ingenious new technique to witness their behavior in their peaceful, densely forested mountainous habitats.

Using extremely light-weight miniaturized video cameras with integrated radio-tags which are attached to the crow’s tail feathers by means of adhesive tape, scientists have been able to record previously unobserved details of crow behavior. The cameras are designed in a way that would not hamper the crow’s movements and could be removed by the bird if it proved to be a nuisance. Alternatively the camera would detach with the bird’s natural molting process in a few weeks.

It had previously been thought that New Caledonian crows only used tools to explore cracks and holes in rotting wood and trees, but now it has been discovered that they use tools on the ground as well. A crow was observed searching through leaf litter, presumably for ants or grubs, using a grass-like stem as a tool. The development of tool-using behavior is generally put down to a response to food shortages in easily accessible places. Without some sort of tool to assist the crow in its quest for food, it would not be able to reach bugs in cracks and holes of trees. Searching through leaf litter with a tool is infinitely more successful for the crow than foraging with its feet or beak.

Researchers have been very encouraged by the results of this study, as it has already provided them with new insight into the New Caledonian crows’ behavior. This advanced technology has opened up new avenues of ornithological field research and has the potential to answer many perplexing questions about the behavior and ecology of other bird species that are difficult to study in their natural environment.

Who’s the Smartest Bird? – Birds.com

Editor — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 17:18:08 +0000

Which bird species is the most intelligent? Many researchers believe that the most intelligent birds are found in the Corvid family (ravens, crows, magpies and jays). These social birds show advanced problem-solving skills, both in the lab and in the wild.

For instance, a raven was observed putting a cork in a tub’s drain, so that water pooled up for a bath. A group of crows in Japan put hard-to-crack nuts out on the road, so that cars can smash them open.

Another corvid, the Clark’s Nutcracker, has an impressive memory- also considered a sign of intelligence. It buries about 30,000 seeds each fall, caching them all through 200 square miles of forest. The bird is able to remember where at least 90% of the buried seeds are- it uses them for winter food.

Other researchers (and parrot owners) consider parrots to be the most intelligent bird. In the wild, they need to be smart. They must remember the locations of many different fruit trees, and know when the trees will be fruiting. They also need problem-solving skills to pry open difficult seeds. This tendency for problem-solving makes them entertaining pets- they are constantly playing with new objects, and learning new words and songs.

One researcher studies the remarkable intelligence of African Grey parrots. One particular African Grey, Alex, can identify & name over 40 objects, seven colors, and can count up to six. He uses 100 words to answer questions, or ask for what he wants.