Category: Birds
One of North America and Eurasia’s most iconic ducks, the stately mallard is common in ponds and lakes, as well as wetlands and estuaries. They have long been a favorite for the table and most domestic ducks are descended from the wild mallard. Due to their highly malleable gene code, mallards can display considerable phenotypic variation within their species.
“Bird Brain” should be taken as a compliment.
Calling someone a “bird brain” is an insult, but perhaps it should be reconsidered given how many birds display high intelligence and adaptability. For just a few examples, the kea from New Zealand can solve logical puzzles and work with other birds in order to acquire food, observations of Cormorants used by Chinese fishermen indicate that the birds can count up to seven, and many species of birds use simple tools such as sticks to help them acquire food or other items that catch their fancy! There is also a cockatoo named Snowball who can dance to the beat of Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself,” though whether this indicates intelligence or not may be a matter of debate or personal taste.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
