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Description: |
192 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 26 cm |
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General Note: |
Simultaneously published by Ivy Press, Lewes, East Sussex, UK. |
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"This book was conceived, designed and produced by Ivy Press"--Title page verso. |
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Bibliography Note: |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 186-188) and index. |
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Contents Note: |
Contents: Foreword -- Introduction -- From birdbrain to feathered ape -- Where did I hide that worm? -- Getting the message across -- Feathered friends (and enemies) -- The right tool for the job -- Know thyself and others -- No longer birdbrains. |
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Summary, Etc. Note: |
Summary: "Birds have not been known for their high IQs, which is why a person of questionable intelligence is sometimes called a "birdbrain." Yet in the past two decades, the study of avian intelligence has witnessed dramatic advances. From a time when birds were seen as simple instinct machines responding only to stimuli in their external worlds, we now know that some birds have complex internal worlds as well. This beautifully illustrated book provides an engaging exploration of the avian mind, revealing how science is exploding one of the most widespread myths about our feathered friends--and changing the way we think about intelligence in other animals as well. Bird Brain looks at the structures and functions of the avian brain, and describes the extraordinary behaviors that different types of avian intelligence give rise to. It offers insights into crows, jays, magpies, and other corvids--the "masterminds" of the avian world--as well as parrots and some less-studied species from around the world. This lively and accessible book shows how birds have sophisticated brains with abilities previously thought to be uniquely human, such as mental time travel, self-recognition, empathy, problem solving, imagination, and insight."--Publisher's description. |