In a fascinating study led by researchers from the University of Oxford, Goffin cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) have shown remarkable decision-making skills that suggest an energy-saving strategy when transporting objects. The study, published on November 20, 2024, reveals that these intelligent birds prefer lighter objects over heavier ones, especially when flying, indicating a sophisticated understanding of weight and energy expenditure.
The researchers conducted a series of experiments in Indonesia, presenting the cockatoos with two visually identical objects of different weights. The birds were rewarded with cashew nuts for transporting one of the items between two platforms. The results showed that in 74% of cases, the cockatoos chose the lighter object, even when the weight difference was as little as 30%.
Interestingly, the preference for lighter objects was consistent whether the birds were walking or flying, challenging previous assumptions about their decision-making processes. The study also noted that the cockatoos often lifted an object, set it down, and returned to make a final choice, suggesting a level of metacognitive awareness.
Lead researcher Celestine Adelmant remarked, 'The cockatoos seem to weigh their options carefully, but they also enjoy making quick decisions.' This insight into their cognitive behavior not only highlights the complexity of avian intelligence but also raises questions about how these birds balance physical effort with cognitive demands.
Future research may explore how Goffin cockatoos manage the transport of tools with varying weights, potentially shedding light on the cognitive strategies employed by birds in complex tasks.