Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
An anecdotal observation of anti-predatory tool use in a New Zealand parrot
- Journal:
- Behaviour
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Burns, K.C.
- Affiliation:
- Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora, School of Biological Sciences, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
- Species:
- bird
Abstract
Abstract I observed a wild kākā (Nestor meridionalis) excavate a piece of deadwood from the branch it was perched on and carry it to a new position immediately above a perched predatory falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae). It then raised its head upwards, and in a single downward motion with its head, released the piece of wood towards the falcon below. The piece of wood struck the falcon in the back, which immediately took flight and disappeared from view. I conclude my description of this anecdotal observation of anti-predatory tool use with caveats and alternative interpretations.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-bja10137