Which Species of Bird is the Most Intelligent?

Determining the relative intelligence of a bird is difficult. What do we mean by intelligence? Experts often think of intelligence in terms of creative abilities used to solve problems. Some scientists believe that tool-using birds show such abilities. The woodpecker finch of the Galapagos Islands, for example, has learned to use a cactus spine or small twig as a probe to remove carpenter bee larvae from their tunnels. The Egyptian vulture uses rocks to break open ostrich eggs. Gulls learn to drop clams and turtles onto rocks or concrete to break them, open to obtain the food inside. Carrion crows in Japan not only place nuts in the road where cars will crush them, but wait until the stop light changes color before entering the road. Other crows and jays are often cited as intelligent. The ability to carry on complex communication may provide other evidence of bird intelligence. While most studies suggest that song and its use are genetically programmed, studies of the African gray parrot suggest a great deal of learning. This parrot is sometimes described as being as intelligent as a three- or four-year-old child. Comparative studies of intelligence among birds are in their infancy. Thus naming the most intelligent bird at this point would be highly speculative. However, parrots and crows may be good candidates.