Category: Birds
Witnessing a flock of wild turkeys materialize from the dense forest understory is one of life’s more stirring events – and even more so if the observer is privileged to witness the dramatic visual and auditory display of a male striving to impress his hens and intimidate potential interlopers. They are a widespread species in North America, adaptable to a broad range of habitats as long there is coverage and abundant open spaces available.
“Bird Brain” should be taken as a compliment.
Calling someone a “bird brain” is an insult, but perhaps it should be reconsidered given how many birds display high intelligence and adaptability. For just a few examples, the kea from New Zealand can solve logical puzzles and work with other birds in order to acquire food, observations of Cormorants used by Chinese fishermen indicate that the birds can count up to seven, and many species of birds use simple tools such as sticks to help them acquire food or other items that catch their fancy! There is also a cockatoo named Snowball who can dance to the beat of Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself,” though whether this indicates intelligence or not may be a matter of debate or personal taste.
Learn more >>
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
