The ability of oriental magpies (Pica serica) to solve baited multiple-string problems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Baited multiple-string problems are commonly used in avian laboratory studies to evaluate complex cognition. Several bird species possess the ability to use a string pull for obtaining food.

Methods

We initially tested and trained 11 magpies to determine whether the oriental magpie (Pica sericia) possesses the ability to solve baited multiple-string problems. Eight of the birds obtained the bait by pulling, and were selected for formal multiple-string tasks in the second stage. Second stage tests were divided into seven tasks based on string configurations.

Results

Only two magpies were able to solve two tasks: one solved the task of parallel strings, and the other solved the task of slanted strings with the bait farther from the middle point between

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7243816 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature