Kea parrots and New Caledonian crows 'use tools to reach food'

Researchers at the universities of Oxford and Vienna have filmed birds complete problem-solving tasks in order to reach their food.

The Kea parrots and New Caledonian crows are believed to be amongst the most intelligent birds in the wild and are known for using objects as tools.

Professor Alex Kacelnik from Oxford University's Department of Zoology said: "The list of abilities where humans have lost exclusivity is large, and includes extraordinary feats of memory, tool making, multi-tool use, cultural transmission of skills and vocal communication.

"Our task is finding out how they do it, how and why natural selection leads to differing skills, and what are the limits of each species' performance."