Birds on the Brain

metazoa-etcetera:

“Scientists have revealed an unexpected candidate for the title of the world’s second smartest creature - the raven. According to a pair of researchers, a bird brain is no longer a sign of stupidity; indeed, it could be a sign of surprising intelligence. 

‘These birds use logic to solve problems and some of their abilities even surpass those of the great apes,’ they say.

Other experiments by biologists have shown that ravens often let other animals do work for them. In the wild, they have been known to make calls that bring wolves and foxes to dead animals so that these large carnivores can break the carcass apart, making meat accessible to the birds.” (read more)

[Photo  Jane B. Nowak]