Feathered Illusionists

[Jonathan Townsend]

Seems some species of birds set up their own theaters and magic shows...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/neuro ... 2/jan/19/1

[Lisa Cousins]

It's funny how we use the term "bird-brain" to mean stupid, and how birds appear to us to embody the very essence of nonchalance ("free as a bird"), when these creatures are astonishing problem-solvers, architects, artists - and magicians, I guess.

I know that the author Robert Benchley was very, very freaked out by his keen sense of the intelligence of birds. He could barely stand hearing about a breed of quail who, as part of their mating ritual, marched in unison, in straight lines, both forward and backward. Although not sure if the report was true, he contended that "birds should not march backwards in unison - even in myth!"

I wonder what Benchley would have thought of these avian illusionists!

[Timothy Hyde]

Thanks for the link Jonathan. I've seen most of the species of Australian Bower birds and their bowers never fail to amaze, with yes, their theatricality.

Timothy

I wonder how many magicians are keen birdwatchers?