Magpies Recognize Their Own Reflection

Posted on August 20, 2008

Magpies apparently have the ability to see recognize themselves in a mirror just like people can. Scientists basically drove the poor birds crazy by placing colored dot stickers on them.

When the birds looked in the mirror they noticed the colored dots and tried to remove them. The birds did not notice black dots in the mirror because these dots blended in with the color of their feathers. The concept of "bird brain" being in insult needs to be reconsidered.

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