pigeons can follow abstract counting rules

[IcyWolf]

I know they aren't parrots, but I know some of our members have pigeons and I just though this was pretty neat and wanted to share
Pigeons Can Follow Abstract Number-Counting Rules: Scientific American Podcast

There is probably a better place to have put this but i wasn't sure, so if it needs moved, please do

 

[roxynoodle]

Actually pigeons are supposed to be smarter than parrots. Supposedly they have recognition of self and can follow abstract thought. Supposedly they are right behind pigs on the intelligence scale. Upon learning all this I now get angry when people refer to them as flying rats (although rats are very intelligent as well).

 

[Remy]

That's awesome!

I never got the impression my pidgeons were super smart, but they did surprise me sometimes. Maybe i just thought that because they were so mellow.

 

[roxynoodle]

Not so long ago I read Animal Planet's top 10 list of intelligent animals other than us. Pigeons were listed at something like #7. So I looked for more information as I was very surprised. Squirrels were also on the list and I hadn't realized they were so smart either. Parrots did not make the list!