By pointing out the cup containing the reward, the birds demonstrated an understanding of tangible displacement. All six hornbills passed this challenge. 3 of them even made it past stage 6.
At this stage, the bird does not see the reward being moved from one cup to another. Instead, the treat is hidden underneath a small red box, and then transferred underneath a larger cup.
Hornbills are famous for their fidelity, almost never changing partners (Photo: Getty).
When the red box was removed from under the cup and shown to be empty, the hornbill realized that the reward must have been left under the last cup, although they did not directly see this. that happens.
This may sound simple to humans, but in animals, understanding invisible movement is a real challenge, as it requires a more complex level of cognition.
It also involves integrating many different cognitive skills, including memory, spatial reasoning, and logical reasoning.
Thus, the Eastern hornbill is the first bird outside the crow and parrot families to overcome this challenge. Their level of cognition can even be equivalent to some higher primates, such as gibbons.
Hornbills mainly live in the forests of India, Southeast Asia and southern China. However, due to illegal trade, this species is currently at risk of extinction.
In good living conditions and without threat, few birds have a lifespan as great as the hornbill, when they can live up to 50 years.
The hornbill is a bird with a warm heart and is very loyal. They will not change partners throughout their lives and are very devoted and devoted to their families, working together to raise their chicks.
This bird has a great belief in love. From the first day until death, they live very happily in love and never betray.
