Crows can recall colors for a year

[xchrom]

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111206a4.html


Memory test: A crow selects a sealed container holding food during an experiment to test the bird's long-term memory. SHOEI SUGITA / KYODO PHOTO

MAEBASHI, Gunma Pref. — Researchers have recently found that crows possess a long-term memory that allows them to remember colors for at least a year, a talent they use to successfully select containers containing food in experiments based on color cues after extended intervals.

"It is not easy even for human beings to remember visual color information for a year. Crows may be even better than human beings in a certain aspect of memory," said Shoei Sugita, a professor of animal morphology at Utsunomiya University who led the joint research with Chubu Electric Power Co.

The finding came as part of a study that Chubu Electric, troubled by problems presented by crows' nests on power line towers, commissioned in 2008.

In the tests, the researchers prepared two containers in a cage, showing 24 jungle crows two cups covered with colored paper — one with a red and green lid that contained food and the other with a yellow and blue lid that did not.

[randr]

1. PBS aired a documentary a few weeks ago

on this extraordinary bird. In addition to the finding you have shared, Crows have an incredible memory of facial identity. They identify friends and foes and act accordingly.
Thanks for the post.

[grantcart]

5. It was a great doc. They proved crows could remember faces from

their early life years later.

They also communicate threats and good eating areas.

The spookiest thing they showed was that crows held a memorial service when one of their flock died.

[Enrique]

2. crows are awesome

this is just one more example. :thumbsup:

[madrchsod]

3. that should`t come as a big surprise to those who raise large birds.

[yellowcanine]

4. I am confident the CIA will find a use for that information. Or maybe Al Quaeda.

[formercia]

6. Crows also show compassion and empathy

for each other and those of other species.

We Humans are not all that special in the Animal Kingdom. We are the 1%. Some of us care, others kill wantonly.