Skip to content

Nature

Tool use and manufacture, but by birds

by JW Dowey 03 Sep 2014
Tool use and manufacture, but by birds

Native to distant deforested islands, there are many parrot species having a lot to offer in biodiversity. Their use in research should be a timely reminder of our potential loss of these species and all of these tropical forests; Cockatoo image; Credit: © Shutterstock

The life of parrots seems a lot more exciting with the latest research from A.M.I. Auersperg and 5 other scientists working at the Universities of Vienna and Oxford and the Max Plank Institute for Ornithology in Germany. They publish their paper in the Proc Roy Soc B as- Social transmission of tool use in Goffin cockatoos.

We see tools used by many diverse animals but have failed to investigate the phenomenon, despite its importance. The use of tools can be simple stereotyped motor patterns that can't be adapted, but science now sees the making of tools and socially-acquired tool use as indicating more advanced cognitive behaviour. 12 Goffin cockatoos (also known as the Tanimbar corella), Cacatua goffini were observers of a "teacher cockatoo", Figaro. Figaro used a wooden stick as a tool to rake in nuts from a box which he could not access otherwise. 3 males acquired Figaro's ability after 4 or 5 attempts while the ladies, seemed disinclined to do any more than push the tool about!

The key concept seems to have been how faithful the 3 males were to Figaro's role-model style demonstration. They adapted the tool in various ways, but didn't copy his technique. However this unique demonstration of socially acquired stick tool-use in birds stands out. Imitation or emulation seem to be involved here, depending on whether the individual matches actions or seeks to achieve the same results as Figaro. The authors prefer to think that this is emulation. This could be backed up by the continuation of the experiment when the males were proved capable of making their own suitable tools and selecting suitable sticks.

These birds don't seem to make tools in their native Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia, but their near-threatened status prevents many observations. It's likely that some of the captive birds that are often kept by enthusiasts may show this behaviour and help to work out the cognition processes. For more on this mammal/bird competition, this story on the famed African greys is quite funny!- Aping parrots.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping