Transcript Smart Birds
Smart Birds Dr. Ian Tizard Smart Birds? Which birds are the smartest? Parrots, of course! Birds are small, flying dinosaurs ~10,000 species of birds All continents as well as the oceans Some travel widely and migrate Some stay at home within a restricted range In order to do this they need to be “Smart” The “smartest” birds? ◦ All birds need to be “smart” to survive ◦ If we measure smartness by learning ability and flexibility then the leaders are parrots and crows. PARROTS About 350 species exist Many live in the rain-forest where you have to be smart to survive. They live for a long time so they can absorb life’s lessons. Parrots are specialized seed eaters Their large beak enables them to break into very tough seeds They can crack open the shells of the toughest nuts They can clip off leg bands and satellite transmitters. Parrots are the “smartest” birds They are as smart as some monkeys. They can invent and make tools. They are effective communicators. Some species adapt readily to new environments. They live for a very long time. Just how smart are they They excel at mimicry and talking They can count They identify colors They use tools They recognize individual humans Learning about their environment Navigation Food sources Avoiding predators Finding mates Toolmaking They can “invent” useful tools using their beaks and feet They can learn from watching other parrots They can make their own deed supplements Talking They use specific dialects to talk other to members of the flock. If transferred to a new flock they have to learn a new language. Young birds are better at developing new languages than older birds Bird brains develop considerably after hatching Eating seeds That’s why they need that huge, effective beak. Can be very destructive in captivity Can remove rings and collars Can learn how to open complex locks. Other skills African gray parrots Count up to 8 Add three small numbers Understand zero in some way Find a way to open complex locks Highly adaptable Monk parakeets established across the United States and even in Europe Many parrots live in Miami and Los Angeles. Others unfortunately are highly endangered in the wild Threats include the pet trade and environmental destruction. Some may live for 100 years! Demonstration on Training Ms Constance Woodman Monk Parakeets Monk parakeets Come from Argentina Escaped birds thrive in this country Widespread in cities Build enormous stick nests The nests interfere with power lines The nests have to be removed We adopt the orphan birds Parrots as Pets Parrots are smart, can learn tricks, can talk and make excellent companions Different parrot species and individuals have distinct personalities. Well-trained parrots make excellent pets. They need to have been hand-raised and tamed from birth. BUT! Parrots are very smart and get bored easily. If not amused they can be very destructive. A much greater responsibility than a gog or cat that can be left alone. They need to interact and play with their owners. Do you have the time in your daily schedule to interact and play with them? Parrot care In addition to clean water and good food such as Zoopreem, you need good cage hygiene. Birds need company, conversation, and play time. And remember that the big parrots may well outlive you. Parrots need toys! Our Research Program at Texas A&M GENETIC DISEASES IN CALIFORNIA CONDORS Parasite Research Birds get worms that can kill them We have discovered lots of new parasites Infectious Disease Research – We are a vet college Virus diseases Bacterial Diseases