Top 10 smartest birds in the world

Many people mistakenly believe that birds have low levels of intelligence and simply regard them as warm-blooded animals. In fact, there are many species of birds in the world with very high intelligence. Do you know which birds have the highest level of intelligence in the world? In this article, I will introduce you to the ten most intelligent birds in the world. They are: raven, African gray parrot, sunflower cockatoo, magpie, jay, raven, falcon, eagle, Woodpeckers and herons. Let’s find out together!

1. Raven

Scientists have confirmed that crows are one of the most intelligent birds in the world, with ravens considered to be the more intelligent of the crow family. Ravens have relatively large brains among birds. Like other corvids, they are known for their excellent problem-solving skills, providing evidence of the high intelligence of birds. Observations show that ravens also use other animals to help solve problems, such as luring wolves and wild dogs to the location of dead animals. These canines help them tear apart carrion, making it easier to eat. In addition, ravens observe where others of their kind have hidden food and remember these locations so they can steal food later.

2. African Gray Parrot

African gray parrots are considered one of the most intelligent of all parrot species, with an IQ equivalent to that of a human child aged 4 to 6 years old. In addition, African gray parrots are also one of the few animals that can communicate with humans and are extremely eloquent. New experiments show that African gray parrots can not only learn sequences of numbers but also associate human voices with their faces. Even more strikingly, Dr. Erin Pepperberg’s collaborative experiments with an African gray parrot named Alex showed that it could not only learn more than 100 words, but also be able to distinguish objects, colors, materials and shape.

3. Bald-nosed crow

Rooks are a relatively intelligent member of the crow family and exhibit excellent problem-solving skills, a study shows. Research from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary shows that when faced with the task of solving a problem, rooks are always able to choose the right tool to solve the problem. As one of the larger passerine species, rooks have considerable brain capacity. Science has proven that brain size is positively correlated with intelligence, and rooks are a prime example of this rule.

4. Sunflower Cockatoo

Sunflower Cockatoos are extremely intelligent birds. After intelligence tests, their IQ is equivalent to that of a four-year-old human child. Why is the sunflower cockatoo called "this guy"? This is because it not only possesses extraordinary intelligence, but is also a master at demolishing homes. It also has a personality similar to that of a husky, so it is nicknamed the husky among birds. Although the sunflower cockatoo has a high IQ, its language skills are average. This species is listed in Appendix II of the Washington Convention (CITES) and is a protected species, equivalent to China’s second-level protected animals, so it is not allowed to be kept at will.

5. Magpie

Magpies are the only birds to pass the mirror test, a method used to assess a creature's degree of self-awareness. In addition to this, they perform well in the game of "hide and seek", on par with four to five year old children. Magpies have also shown the ability to make and use tools and can even imitate human speech. Not only are these birds capable of complex emotions, including displays of sadness, magpies are also capable of games and teamwork. Interestingly, when a member of the magpie colony dies, they will even gather together to hold a funeral-like ceremony.

6. Jay

The jay shows considerable intelligence because it knows how to leave a good impression on its partner and often gives it gifts that happen to be what the partner desires most. Recent research has also revealed the ability of jays to imitate familiar sounds and human voices. It has been observed that jays will learn to imitate the calls of raptors in order to deter their natural predators, owls, who sleep during the day. Jays are widely distributed in China, and there are many subspecies. Although the number of individual subspecies has decreased, overall the number of jays is still quite abundant, and they are a common bird in mountain forests.

7. Falcon

Falcons are also one of the most intelligent birds. In 1997, Dr. Louis Lefebwe of McGill University in Montreal, Canada published the first study on the IQ curve of birds, pointing out that the IQ of falcons is second only to crows and is at the top of the bird IQ scale. Usually, falcon refers to some species of the genus Eagle. After artificial training, falcons have demonstrated excellent hunting and obedience abilities and can obey human commands.

8. Eagle

According to the bird IQ curve system first published in 1997 by Dr. Louis Lefebwe of McGill University in Montreal, Canada, the intelligence level of eagles is at the second level, second only to crows and falcons. The eagle, also known as the kite, is a small raptor. Unlike other general birds, the female bird is often larger than the male bird. In the animal kingdom, eagle is a general name for a family that includes many different species. Eagles have sharp eyes that can see thousands of meters or more.

9. Woodpecker

Woodpeckers demonstrate high intelligence with their innovative foraging techniques. Unlike other birds that stand on tree branches, woodpeckers are able to climb upright tree trunks. Woodpeckers are known to feed mainly on pests under the bark of trees. They have long, hard and pointed beaks that can tap tree trunks to make crisp sounds. They can accurately locate and discover the hiding places of pests through the sound, which is very rare among birds.

10. Heron

On March 9, 2015, photographer Jonathan captured a stunning scene at the Isle of Sheppey Nature Reserve in Kent, England. Photos show a weasel trying to attack a much larger heron, holding it in its massive mouth. Although the heron struggled to get away from the weasel, the weasel persisted. Eventually, the heron led the weasel to the river, drowned it alive and ate it. This incident demonstrated the Heron's extraordinary level of intelligence and ability to fight.

The ranking of the top ten smartest birds is mainly based on the bird IQ curve first published by Dr. Louis Lefebwe in 1997, as well as related website information. Through the imitation ability and learning ability of related birds, Ranking and recommendation based on intelligence level, problem-solving ability, etc. The ranking of the list is for reference only. If you have any questions, please leave comments/criticisms at the end.

animal tags： bird IQ smart raven magpie jay raven falcon eagle woodpecker heron