Bird Brain
Monday 08th October 2012 from 16h00 to 17h30
Salle 2 / Grand Amphithéâtre
Session for general audience
- Directed by
- John Capener
- Produced by
- Terra Mater Factual Studios, Parthenon Entertainment
Documentary, Austria, United Kingdom, 2011, 52 min
It’s used as an insult – “bird brain” – not very clever. But in the last few years research has shown that this idea is out of date. This film follows scientists discovering that bird intelligence is so advanced that birds can be compared to the great apes. Some of the most sophisticated research has involved birds from the crow family, including ravens and New Caledonian crows, and new research on parrots reveals that there are plenty of other smart birds out there. It’s not just the bird brain “superstars” that deserve a re-think. From garden birds, such as starlings, to waterfowl, such as geese, we’re only just beginning to uncover the surprises to be found in the minds of birds.
Debate with :
- Valérie Dufour, researcher at the IPHC CNRS Strasbourg