When you observe birds in nature, you likely notice signs of intelligence. From magpies that bury their food for later to master mimics like the Blue Jay impersonating hawk sounds to ward off predators, birds show real brain power. But do birds really have brains, and can they think? How similar are their brains to human brains? Are their brains different based on bird type? And what types of things can they do that show off their mental prowess? We’ve got all the answers to your burning bird questions:
Do Birds Really Have Brains?
According to the journal Science, birds do have a brain cortex that rivals a monkey’s or ape’s in terms of cognition. Although small, bird brains are considered complex processing centers, with vast numbers of neurons that vary in amount based on bird type and size. This latest study in Science found that a bird’s brain is more organized than previously thought, enabling them to communicate, solve problems, remember the past, and plan for the future.
Is a Bird’s Brain Similar to a Human’s?
The latest findings reveal that a bird’s brain is more similar to a human’s than previously thought. Although a bird’s brain lacks the neocortex found in a human brain, they have a similar structure, called a pallium. Though dissimilar in shape, both the neocortex and pallium are laid out in a similar pattern of layered neurons. In addition to the physicality of both brains, there are also some similarities in function. Both humans and birds use their brains to communicate with intent through vocalization and behavioral cues, remember and retrieve things for later use, solve complex problems, and even play games. Some avian experts even point to these and other functions as proof of consciousness in birds.
Do Birds Think?
Yes, they do. And it’s typically the kinds of things that you would expect, if their resulting behavior is any indication. Thoughts like, Where can I find food? How do I defend my territory? Is my nest in danger? How can I crack this nut? Birds, like humans, think in terms of how to meet their current (and sometimes future) needs, and in reaction to their surroundings. Of course, while some bird actions are driven by thought, others—like migration—are driven by instinct. Still, bird thinking is nearly as complex as ours, enabling them to meet challenges and respond to social situations intelligently.
Are Some Birds Smarter Than Others?
It probably won’t surprise you that some birds are smarter than others—and corvids are at the top of the list. This bird family includes crows and ravens, both known for their unmatched intelligence. For example, they make and use tools to solve complex problems, count, identify themselves in a mirror, and remember human faces for years afterward.
Parrots are another bird type considered to be the brainier of the bunch. In fact, their spiriform (the part of the brain responsible for planning and executing complex behaviors) is up to five times larger than a chicken’s.
Songbirds are also near the top of the list in terms of bird smarts. In fact, they’re one of the few bird types with a rare, even human-like capacity to learn vocalizations.
Chickadees, nuthatches, and robins use their impressive brain aptitude to send warning calls to each other about nearby predators.
Clark’s Nutcrackers, found here in Big Bear, are also noteworthy in terms of their intelligence. For example, these birds hide tens of thousands of seeds every summer in preparation for winter. When the cold weather comes and natural food sources dry up, these savvy birds remember where they stashed their goods, and are able to use them to survive.
How Do Birds Use Their Brains?
Just like us humans, birds use their brains in a variety of ways. Some of these include solving problems, finding what they need to survive, determining if one is friend or foe, protecting their family, communicating and socializing, and simply having a bit of fun.
Check out this chatty Parrot, and how he’s learned how to communicate with humans:
Watch how this Heron uses bread to fish for his next meal:
Watch this Grackle solve a tricky puzzle:
See how different birds communicate with each other through vocalization and song:
Get Smart about Smart Birds with Chirp
Along with the Chirp blog, we have several wild bird resources where you can learn more about your favorite feathered friends. Check out Chirp’s YouTube channel, where you can learn everything from how to birdwatch in your own backyard and what to feed birds to how to help the declining bird population and why certain birds behave the way they do. We also have videos of past Bird Talks, which include exclusive conversations with bird experts like Richard Louv and Stan Tekiela. Follow along with us virtually for a virtual bird cruise or bird walk around Big Bear. And keep an eye out for upcoming live events—all happening at Chirp!
