Newfound brain structure explains why some birds are so smart—and maybe even self-aware – Science Magazine

Birds like this homing pigeon may have the necessary neural anatomy for thinking.
Ruth Swan/Alamy Stock Photo
By Virginia MorellSep. 24, 2020 , 3:50 PM
Never before has bird brain been such a compliment: In recent years, birds have been found to make tools, understand abstract concepts, and even recognize paintings by Monet and Picasso. But their lack of a neocortexthe area of the mammalian brain where working memory, planning, and problem solving happenhas long puzzled scientists. Now, rese…

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