Wow in the World Birds of a Feather Learn Together (9/1/25)
Sep 1, 2025
Join Mindy and Guy as they unveil the fascinating world of sulfur-crested cockatoos and their talent for opening trash cans! Discover how these clever birds learn from each other, showcasing social learning in action. The adventure unfolds at the University for Clever Birds, with charming demonstrations by Professor Birdman and Lulu. Plus, listeners chime in with their own mind-blowing animal facts. It's a delightful journey filled with surprises about the intelligence of our feathered friends!
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Cockatoos Solve Urban Foraging Challenges
- Sulfur-crested cockatoos learned to open trash cans using only their beaks and feet, not wings.
- This shows complex problem-solving and tool-like use of their beak in urban environments.
Bird College Demo With Lulu
- Mindy and Guy attend a fictional University for Clever Birds to watch a class on trash-can opening.
- The classroom demonstration features Lulu the cockatoo successfully removing a trash-can lid.
Social Learning Isn't Just For Primates
- Scientists once thought only a few species could learn skills socially, but cockatoos challenge that view.
- This expands understanding of cultural transmission beyond primates and meerkats.
