The Genius of Birds

The Genius of Birds may not be for everyone, but for this bird lover and biology major, it was absolutely marvelous. The author—a bird lover herself—is a journalist who traveled the world to observe the work of researchers studying avian intelligence. She relates amazing stories of many species of birds—the New Caledonian crows, the bowerbirds of Australia, the tits of Great Britain, mimic birds and migratory birds—whose intelligence, as measured by fascinating and well-constructed experiments, is far greater than previously thought. In some cases, these birds rival primates and even humans in their intricate behaviors. From complex song patterns to the construction and use of tools, to impressive social behavior (e.g., deception, manipulation, gift-giving, consoling, alerting to danger), Ackerman gives us an inside look at almost unbelievable avian characteristics, elegant experiments, and fascinating conclusions. This research is not without issues—birds must sometimes be captured, operated on, and killed to be studied. The studies themselves can alter their behavior. But the work she describes is furthering our knowledge and understanding of intelligence—not just avian, but also all animal intelligence. I was fortunate to hear the author, who lives in the Charlottesville area of Virginia, speak at our state arboretum, Blandy Farm. Her commitment to learning and her passion for discovery were as evident in person as in her book. One thing for sure: the next time I call someone a birdbrain, it will be a sincere compliment.

There are a number of books I read over and again when I need to connect with the physical world beyond the office, laptop, automobile, cell phone, a 767 en route to Beijing, and more. I have read Bob Berman's "The Sun's Heartbeat" three times and look forward to reading it again soon. Peter Wohlleben's "The Hidden Life of Trees" is another favorite. I've read Thomas Seeley's "Honey Bee Democracy," and have placed it in the pile of books to read again by Christmas. I read the first edition of "Written in Stone," by Chet Raymo and his daughter Maureen, when it first came out in 1991. I wonder whether I should look at the most updated edition, because we know a lot more about geology today than forty years ago, but the original was so engaging I don't want to experience possible disappointment with an adulterated work. There are at least a half dozen other favorite s. I am adding "The Genius of Birds" to this list. It is well-written with plenty of humorous insights. It truly covers all you need to know about birds, starting with their dinosaur origins up through the latest findings that demonstrate that many species possess astonishing, though focused, intelligence. It highlights the role of evolution in putting some families -- e.g., corvids, parrots and sparows -- at the top of the pile of survivors because they use their brains to adjust to environmental challenges almost immediately. Sadly, other smaller-brained birds are doomed to extinction because after a million years of living in a stable environment, they are unable to adjust to even the smallest changes. A good book, worth at least two or three re-reads!

Here we have a wonderful exploration of the inside of birds' heads and a dismissal of several old chestnuts about our avian friends. It seems they are not 'bird brains,' or simple creatures acting only on instinct, but very smart, in some cases astonishingly smart critters. An African Grey parrot named Throckmorton that apes a cell phone's ring, a sneeze, a vacuum cleaner. Another talking bird whose favorite expression reveals its owner's frustration as it yacks over and over, 'talk, damn you, talk!' Much of this section is laugh out loud fun, as for example when Ackerman talks about a bird that imitates a nearby shepherd calling his dogs, and puts those dogs through their paces till they're exhausted. Despite tossing around terms like 'syrinx,' lateral magnocelluar nucleus of the nidopallium,' 'subsong,' and 'Cencontlatolly,' (meaning four-hundred tongues) Ackerman never condescends or over-simplifies but explains. A bit Annie-Dillard mixed with another Ackerman, Diane by name, this author clearly respects, understands and idolizes birds. Avoiding her own admonition to steer clear of 'the danger of anthropomorphism,' Ackerman maintains her objectivity throughout, ever curious and willing to admit bewilderment. With citations to Thoreau, Darwin, Lorenz and others, she's crafted a narrative about our feathered friends that's timely, considering climate change and its effects on birds, and authoritative. Well worth reading, four stars only because it was too darned short. Maybe there'll be a sequel. Byron Edgington, author of A Vietnam Anthem. A Vietnam Anthem: What The War Gave Me

It’s amazing to see how birds may be responsible to the emotional needs of others, like the example of the ravens that console others that had been in a fight. Some kind of birds are known to have empathy. They have social structures, they can imagine another bird’s point of view to make strategics for pilfering or caching food. Some birds are artists, like the bowerbird. They just do it to impressive females. It’s impressive to know how they can remember the place of thousands of seeds they buried, they have mental maps that helps them do remember this places and to travel long distances with so much accuracy. The Nicole Blaser experiment (home loft and food loft, page 215) was astonishing. She showed that pigeons are capable of making choices between targets according to motivation, a cognitive ability, and they have a genuine cognitive map in their heads. It was amazing to read the study that suggests their ability to perceive a hurricane so far away, due to their capability to sense strong low frequency infrasound. The book is very easy to read, even if you are not specialist. The author brings a lot of scientific material. Great read.

I loved every single page I read from this book. Lots and lots of information about research efforts to better understand how intelligent birds really are. And oh boy, are they really smart feather creatures! I particularly liked the chapter where quantum biology tries to explain how some migratory birds like the European Robin finds its way. A must read for any serious bird lover.

Ce livre explique plusieurs aspects intéressants concernant la vie des oiseaux.

Nice book. Loved it

The Genius of Birds, now translated into a German version under the title "Genies der Lüfte" finally does away with the prevalent view of birds as pretty, colourful automatons who are prurely instinct-driven and have no capacity for problem-solving or innovation. It has become common knowledge that corvids and psittacines are on the level of a four-year-old human child, but passerines are usually underestimated as to their abilities. In a lively, never technical account which is accessible to all readers, Mrs Ackermann describes birds' actions by species, presenting convincing reactions and actions that demonstrate that, under all those feathers, there is far more to be discovered than we could have imagined. For anyone who is interested in birds and their behaviour, or for people who have taken a bird or birds into their home, here is the proof that the behaviour of these beings has far more behind it than instinct alone.