Eastern Pied Hornbills: Masters of Object Permanence
Researchers have discovered that Eastern pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) are among the few animals capable of understanding object permanence. This means that they understand that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
According to a new study conducted by scientists, these birds possess a unique ability to understand, which proves to be highly beneficial for their survival. For example, when building shelters for themselves and their offspring, female birds of this species enclose themselves inside, relying on males to provide food.
Scientists note that such abilities have important evolutionary significance for activities such as foraging for food and avoiding predators. Previously, it was believed that these skills were typical only of some species of parrots. However, this study expands our understanding and demonstrates that such abilities are present in other bird species as well.
Interestingly, during testing of other bird species, similar abilities were not as clearly evident as in pied hornbills. This suggests that understanding object permanence is a feature characteristic of only a few animal species.
