Tuesday 26 May 2009

The Clever Rookie


Anyone reading my blog will be aware of my love of wildlife and, particularly, birds. I'm fond of all birds. I don't really discriminate at all. There are a few that I'm less enthusiastic about, viz. feral pigeons.

Nevertheless, I love 'em all. I can name at least seven species of crow: Jackdaw, Chough, Rook, Magpie, Hooded Crow, Carrion Crow, Jay and Raven.

The rook is undoubtedly an intelligent bird, as far as bird-brains go; much cleverer than, say, a pheasant, chicken or feral pigeon. The rook is not a handsome bird, with its long, grey hooter and its distinctive cawing sound.

New research suggests that rooks are as intelligent as monkeys. Here is a great article about them.

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