Goffin’s Cockatoo Modifies & Uses a Tool: Have you seen anything similar?

Hi All,

This incident is especially interesting because the cockatoo not only used a tool but modified it to suit a purpose as well…all without having seen tool use in other birds!

A Goffin’s Cockatoo living at the Vienna University stunned researchers by exhibiting behaviors never before seen in any parrot species. The bird, known as Figaro, went far beyond “mere” tool use. When confronted with an out-of-reach treat, he first searched for a stick to use, and then modified the stick so as to better suit it for his purposes. Figaro’s accomplishments are especially surprising because he had not been trained in any way, nor had he observed other tool-using birds. He seems to have “envisioned” a concept and acted upon it. Please post your own “smart parrot” stories below.
Read article here: http://bitly.com/UzsApz
Comments and questions appreciated. As I do not place notices here each time I post a new article on That Bird Blog, you may wish to check in periodically or subscribe; you can do so here http://bitly.com/J500rb. Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio http://bitly.com/KTsPE3
Face Book http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

What about seagulls using rocks to break open clams? Or what about the birds in the southwest united states ( i think they are either sparrows or finches) that use cactus needles to spear maggots that are living in nearby tree knots and crevices?

Originally Posted by hadenglock

What about seagulls using rocks to break open clams? Or what about the birds in the southwest united states ( i think they are either sparrows or finches) that use cactus needles to spear maggots that are living in nearby tree knots and crevices?

hELLO,

There are many examples among other bird families, some quite a bit more complex than that described here...several are listed in the article. This is the first time such was documented among parrots. best, frank

ahhh i gotcha now

Originally Posted by hadenglock

ahhh i gotcha now

I should have made bee clearer on that point, thanks.

Carrion and New Caledonian Crow are beyond belief when it comes to intelligent tool use. You might enjoy the these:

http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatbi...ehavior-notes/

http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatbi...-intelligence/

Best, Frank