The Genius of Birds
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 First edition (US) | |
| Author | Jennifer Ackerman |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Bird intelligence |
| Publisher | Penguin Press |
Publication date | April 12 2016 |
| Pages | 352 |
| Awards | New York Times Bestseller |
| ISBN | 1594205213 |
The Genius of Birds is a 2016 book by nature writer Jennifer Ackerman.[1]
The Genius of Birds highlights new findings and discoveries in the field of bird intelligence. The book explores birds as thinkers (contrary to the cliché "bird brain") in the context of observed behavior in the wild and brings to it the scientific findings from lab and field research.[2]
New research suggests that some birds, such as those in the family corvidae, can rival primates and even humans in forms of intelligence. Much like humans, birds have enormous brains relative to the rest of their bodies.
Ackerman highlights the complex social structures of avian society. They are capable of abstract thinking, problem solving, recognizing faces, gift giving, sharing, grieving, and meaningful communication with humans. Ackerman goes in depth to highlight scientific studies that uncover behavior such as tool usage, speaking in regional accents, navigation and theory of mind.
