28 ms·

Useless trivia - crows do very well at this too, as does that entire branch of birds

• SeamusBrady 15y ago
  Crows have the same level of Encephalization Quotient (measure of brain size to body size) as many of the more intelligent mammalian species. They too have complex emotional and social lives, use tools and have complex language. There is even an argument that certain species of crows have co-evolved with us as hunter gatherers the way that dogs did CF - In the Company of Crows and Ravens (John M. Marzluff / Mr. Tony Angell). Yes, I like crows :)
• electromagnetic 15y ago
  Interestingly enough birds are the one group that systemically destroys the sentience tests. One test, the Mirror Self Recognition test was thought to only be accomplished by humans and the great apes, even monkeys aren't capable (in the traditional sense). However the humble pigeon passes, and not an occasional get lucky pass, but pigeons just nail the test. Tool use was one of the very classical 'gateways' to sentience argued for humans. Except there appear to be far more bird species than mammal species that regularly use tools. Further than this, Herring Gulls are noted for tool-use hunting by using pieces of bread to hunt goldfish - which essentially one-ups all other known tool users. Ravens are one of the few species who actually make the toys they play with. IE they don't find a stick and play, but will break twigs off of trees and brushes with the intent of using it to play with others.