The Bird That Thinks Ahead: Inside The Mind Of The New Caledonian Crow
Advanced Problem Solving Skills: New Caledonian crows are widely known for their impressive thinking abilities. Scientists have studied these birds for years and found that they can solve complex, multi-step puzzles. In some tests, their performance is similar to that of 5- to 7-year-old children. In controlled experiments, researchers give the crows tasks that require more than one action to reach a goal. For example, a crow may need to move one object to gain access to another tool before it can reach food. These tasks require focus, memory, and logical thinking. Their success in these challenges shows that they understand more than simple cause and effect. They can connect several steps together in the right order, which is a sign of advanced cognition.