Ultraviolet visual sensitivity in three avian lineages: paleognaths, parrots, and passerines
Ultraviolet (UV) light-transmitted signals play a major role in avian foraging and communication, subserving functional roles in feeding, mate choice, egg recognition, and nestling discrimination. Sequencing functionally relevant regions of the short wavelength sensitive type 1 (SWS1) opsin gene that is responsible for modulating the extent of SWS1 UV sensitivity in birds allows predictions to […]
Cognitive and communicative abilities of Grey parrots
This paper presents results of almost 30 years of study of the cognitive and communicative activities of Greyparrots (Psittacus erithacus), conventionally regarded as mindless mimics. These studies have demonstrated that Greyparrots can solve various cognitive tasks and acquire and use English speech in ways that often resemble those of very young children. Examples include the […]