Crows, known for their remarkable intelligence, have demonstrated an impressive ability to count and associate numbers with values, according to a recent study led by researchers from the University of Tübingen’s animal physiology lab in Germany. Published in the journal Science, the findings show that crows can not only count up to four but also match the number of calls they make when shown a number.
The research highlights that crows are able to process numbers similar to how humans learn to count as toddlers. Heather Williams, a professor of biology at Williams College in Massachusetts and an animal cognition expert, noted, “Humans do not have a monopoly on skills such as numerical thinking, abstraction, tool manufacture, and planning ahead.” Other animals, such as chimpanzees, have also demonstrated counting abilities and an understanding of numbers.
Neurobiologist and senior researcher at Tübinge, Diana Liao, explained that the study was inspired by the way toddlers learn to count. Toddlers learning to count might say “one, two, three” or repeat “one, one, one” as they count objects out loud. Similarly, the crows in the study planned their number of calls and took longer to react to each cue as the counting continued, indicating a premeditated response.
This research provides further evidence of crows' advanced cognitive abilities, showing that they can grasp the concept of numbers and produce corresponding sounds. The findings suggest that counting is a skill within their control, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about intelligence in birds.
Picture: A crow speaking with a toddler (Designer)
