Ep 17. Inside Animal Minds: Bird Genius

In season 41, episode 17 of NOVA, titled "Inside Animal Minds: Bird Genius," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the intelligence of birds. The episode focuses on a variety of bird species, ranging from parrots to pigeons, to provide a comprehensive look into the cognitive abilities of these fascinating creatures.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Alex, a renowned African grey parrot who was able to learn and understand over 100 words and even use them in context. Through Alex's story, the episode highlights the remarkable communication and problem-solving skills of parrots, as well as their ability to recognize themselves in mirrors, a trait previously thought to be limited to humans and great apes.

Next, the episode turns its attention to the New Caledonian crow, a bird that is famous for its ability to use tools. The New Caledonian crow has been observed in the wild using sticks to extract insects from tree bark, a behavior that is taught from one generation to the next. Researchers have also conducted experiments with the birds in captivity to test their ability to create and use tools to obtain food, further demonstrating the intelligence of these birds.

The episode then profiles the homing pigeon, a bird with a remarkable ability to navigate over long distances despite being released from unfamiliar locations. Through research and experimentation, scientists have discovered that homing pigeons use a variety of cues, including magnetic fields and olfactory senses, to navigate and find their way home.

Moving on to birds that are less commonly associated with intelligence, the episode explores the cognitive abilities of the Eurasian jay. Through experiments, researchers have found that these birds possess exceptional spatial awareness and memory, as well as the ability to plan for the future.

The episode also delves into the world of bird song, focusing on the abilities of the superb lyrebird. These birds are known for their remarkable vocal mimicry, able to imitate a wide variety of sounds, including other birds, animals, and even artificial sounds such as car alarms. Through research, scientists have discovered that the superb lyrebird's brain actually undergoes physical changes during the process of learning and executing these complex vocalizations.

Finally, the episode ends with a focus on the intelligence of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies. These birds have been shown to have remarkable problem-solving abilities, able to use tools to solve complex puzzles and even understand cause and effect relationships. The episode profiles some of the most impressive experiments involving corvids, including a study where a crow was able to figure out how to bend a wire into a hook in order to obtain food.

Overall, "Inside Animal Minds: Bird Genius" is a fascinating look at the intelligence and cognitive abilities of some of the world's most fascinating birds. Through a mixture of scientific research and stunning footage, the episode highlights just how little we truly know about these impressive creatures.