Scientists continue to be amazed by the discoveries and the questions they are finding answers to. Advances in bird research have established that the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) has an intelligence comparable to that of young children. According to the study’s researchers, its cause-and-effect understanding is similar to that of a 5-year-old child. Thus, it has been determined that the New Caledonian crow is the most intelligent bird in the world: it can solve complex problems and even make, use, and improve tools.
They are demonstrating skills seen only in humans and some primate species, such as tool making and use
New Caledonian crows are the only birds—and one of the few animals—that make and use tools in the wild, from twigs to leaves, which they trim to create hooks to catch grubs nesting in the wood. Although birds have historically been thought to have limited intelligence due to their brain size, the facts and research speak for themselves. They are demonstrating skills seen only in humans and some primate species, such as tool making and use, and long-term planning and thinking.
This species has demonstrated an astonishing ability to solve complex problems that even some primates find difficult
It’s important to note that until recently, such sophisticated behaviors were thought to be exclusive to primates. This species, native to the islands of New Caledonia in the South Pacific, has demonstrated an astonishing ability to solve complex problems that even some primates find difficult. Furthermore, the tools they use and their manufacturing process vary from one environment to another, suggesting that this may be a cultural behavior.
These birds have demonstrated a profound understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in their environment
In recent decades, researchers have documented the astonishing behavior of these crows, which have demonstrated advanced cognitive abilities that rival those of some of the most intelligent species on the planet, including humans. These birds have demonstrated a profound understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in their environment; they are clearly rewriting the history of the animal kingdom.
The American crow are known to gather around corpses, like forensic experts, to clarify and learn about the causes of death
The New Caledonian crow’s ability to solve complex problems with tools implies an astonishing capacity for long-term planning. On the other hand, the American crow is another excellent social learner. They are known to gather around corpses, like forensic experts, to clarify and learn about the causes of death. These are some of the skills previously considered exclusive to humans or advanced primates.
These crows not only solve immediate problems, but can also anticipate future situations and make strategic decisions
Studies continue to advance, and according to the latest data, these animals may be as intelligent as chimpanzees due to their high neuronal density and brain structure. These crows not only solve immediate problems, but can also anticipate future situations and make strategic decisions with foresight, demonstrating a high degree of abstract thinking. In other words, a huge brain in a small animal.
If this has been discovered with crows, what other secrets remain to be uncovered?
For science, natural selection has meant that, generation after generation, these animals have acquired innate abilities more typical of primates and even humans, helping them use their considerable ingenuity to thrive and perpetuate their species. Crows solve complex problems, make and use tools, have great memories, communicate and learn from each other, and may even have their own cultures. If this has been discovered with crows, what other secrets remain to be uncovered?