The intelligence level of birds varies among species. Some birds possess remarkably high intelligence, such as crows, owls, parrots, and pigeons, capable of solving complex problems and exhibiting memory and reasoning abilities. Other birds have simpler intelligence, possessing only basic instincts or behavioral patterns. Overall, while bird intelligence may be somewhat inferior to that of mammals, they are highly adaptable to their environment, utilizing surrounding resources for survival and reproduction. Which birds have the highest intelligence levels? Below, we have compiled a list of the world's ten most intelligent birds based on Dr. Louis Lefibwe's first publication of the bird intelligence curve in 1997 and related online data. The ranking is based on a comprehensive assessment of the birds' imitation abilities, learning abilities, intelligence levels, and problem-solving skills. This ranking is for reference only; please feel free to comment/criticize at the end if you have any questions.
Here are some birds that are considered to have high intelligence:
1. Crow
Crows are highly intelligent birds, renowned for their highly developed brains and IQ. Scientific research shows that crows exhibit exceptional intelligence in problem-solving, memory, and social behavior. For example, crows can use tools to obtain food, such as placing hard nuts on the road for cars to run over and crack open. Furthermore, crows can remember human faces and use calls to alert other crows to the presence of humans nearby. Therefore, crows are considered among the most intelligent birds.
2. Owl
Owls are generally considered among the most intelligent birds, renowned for their highly developed intelligence. They possess exceptionally keen eyesight and hearing, enabling them to easily capture prey during nocturnal hunts. Furthermore, owls have remarkable spatial awareness, accurately identifying their location in space and remembering places they have been.
The study also showed that owls exhibit remarkable abilities in problem-solving, learning, and memory. They can learn how to hunt through trial and error, remember different types of prey and their behavioral patterns, and adapt to environmental changes by adopting appropriate strategies. Therefore, owls are considered one of the most intelligent birds.
3. Canary
Canaries are beloved birds, but they aren't as known for their intelligence as crows or owls. Nevertheless, canaries possess a remarkably high level of intelligence, particularly in the fields of music and language. Canaries are widely used in music and language studies because they can learn to mimic a wide variety of sounds and intonations and are capable of memorizing large numbers of words and phrases.
Furthermore, research shows that canaries can learn and adapt to their environment by observing the behavior of other canaries, indicating that they also possess a certain degree of social intelligence. Overall, while canaries' intelligence is not as high as that of crows or owls, they demonstrate remarkable wisdom and learning abilities in specific areas.
4. Parrot
Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, renowned for their highly developed intelligence. Research shows that parrots learn new skills through trial and error and can make intelligent decisions in complex situations. Parrots also possess remarkable language abilities, capable of mimicking human speech and communicating. Some parrots can master hundreds of words and phrases and apply this language in specific contexts, such as asking for food or requesting attention.
Furthermore, parrots can remember different sounds and music, and can attract mates through music or dance. Overall, parrots are very intelligent, fun, and social birds. They demonstrate outstanding abilities in problem-solving, learning, and memory, making them popular pets and ornamental birds.
5. Magpie
Magpies are highly intelligent birds, considered among the smartest of all birds. They possess excellent memory and problem-solving abilities, learn new skills through trial and error, and utilize tools to obtain food. Studies have shown that magpies can remember up to thousands of food storage locations in different places and can distinguish between different types of food.
In addition, magpies can mimic the calls of other animals and can use sound to convey information and alert other members of the group. Overall, magpies are very intelligent, interesting, and highly social birds. They demonstrate outstanding abilities in problem-solving, learning, and memory, making them beloved ornamental birds.
6. Eagle
Eagles are highly intelligent birds, considered among the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom. They possess exceptional eyesight, superb flying skills, and unique hunting strategies, all requiring extremely high intelligence to learn and master. In addition, eagles have strong memories, rapid reactions, and other excellent cognitive abilities, enabling them to adapt flexibly to different environments and cope with challenges. Therefore, it can be said that eagles have a very high level of intelligence.
7. Saker Falcon
Saker falcons are highly intelligent birds of prey, widely considered among the most intelligent and trainable species of birds. They possess exceptional eyesight and agile movement, enabling them to swiftly capture prey in mid-air—a feat requiring extremely high intelligence. Furthermore, saker falcons exhibit remarkable learning and memory abilities, allowing them to learn various performances and techniques during domestication and to develop close cooperative relationships with humans.
The intelligence of falcons can be assessed in several ways, such as their adaptability to complex environments and their performance in social behavior. Overall, falcons are considered to have very high intelligence; they can quickly adapt to new environments, learn new knowledge, and demonstrate outstanding performance in both human and natural environments.
8. Petrel
Petrels are highly intelligent birds, renowned for their exceptional aerial hunting and navigation abilities. They can easily fly thousands of miles across the ocean and pinpoint their nests and food storage locations with remarkable accuracy. Research indicates that petrels possess an outstanding sense of direction and visual memory, enabling them to utilize astronomical markers and landmarks for navigation and orientation.
Furthermore, petrels possess remarkable flying abilities and aerodynamic knowledge, utilizing high-speed winds and air currents to conserve energy and flight time. Overall, petrels are highly intelligent, interesting, and agile birds, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in aerial navigation, hunting, and social behavior, making them beloved ornamental birds.
9. Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are among the most intelligent birds, renowned for their unique nest-building skills and foraging abilities. They use their sharp beaks and claws to chisel through trees, obtaining insects and other small animals. Research shows that woodpeckers possess excellent spatial memory and navigational abilities, allowing them to pinpoint their home nests and food storage locations with remarkable accuracy.
Furthermore, woodpeckers can learn and adapt to their environment by observing the behavior patterns and sounds of other birds, and they can use a variety of tools and techniques to obtain food. Overall, woodpeckers are very intelligent, interesting, and agile birds. They demonstrate outstanding abilities in nest building, foraging, and social behavior, making them beloved ornamental birds and subjects of research.
10. Grey Heron
Grey herons are among the most intelligent birds, renowned for their highly developed hunting skills and intelligence. They utilize their sharp beaks and long necks to catch fish and other aquatic animals and are adaptable to diverse environments, including seashores, lakes, and rivers. Research indicates that grey herons possess remarkable spatial memory and navigational abilities, allowing them to pinpoint their nests and food storage locations with remarkable precision.
Furthermore, grey herons possess excellent social behavior and teamwork skills, hunting and protecting their families together with other herons during periods of hunger and breeding. Overall, grey herons are highly intelligent, interesting, and agile birds, demonstrating outstanding abilities in hunting, navigation, social behavior, and memory, making them beloved ornamental birds and subjects of research.
