The study concluded that mockingbirds could clearly recognize specific individuals, retain negative perceptions about those individuals, and accomplish this within a brief amount of time.
Another study done by wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff at the University of Washington revealed that birds can identify and remember faces. Marzluff tested the reaction of crows to individuals who wore masks on campus.
Crows were trapped, banded and released by individuals wearing a designated “dangerous” mask. For a number of weeks after the crows’ release, individuals wore “neutral” as well as “dangerous” masks around campus. The subjects in “dangerous” masks were harassed and scolded more than those individuals who wore “neutral” masks. From these results, Marzluff concluded that the crows recognized faces separately from that of clothing, gait and other individual characteristics.
So the next time you pass a wild bird, consider offering a polite nod and smile as you walk by - you may be making a new a feathered friend rather than a foe.
Another study done by wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff at the University of Washington revealed that birds can identify and remember faces. Marzluff tested the reaction of crows to individuals who wore masks on campus.
Crows were trapped, banded and released by individuals wearing a designated “dangerous” mask. For a number of weeks after the crows’ release, individuals wore “neutral” as well as “dangerous” masks around campus. The subjects in “dangerous” masks were harassed and scolded more than those individuals who wore “neutral” masks. From these results, Marzluff concluded that the crows recognized faces separately from that of clothing, gait and other individual characteristics.
So the next time you pass a wild bird, consider offering a polite nod and smile as you walk by - you may be making a new a feathered friend rather than a foe.