Book Review: Revisiting a favorite
Book Review of The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
by Lake County Audubon Society Member Bradley Stein
Have you ever watched the news and noticed the faint chirping of House Sparrows in the background as a reporter speaks in the field? Interestingly, you might hear the same sounds while watching international news. This raises a fascinating question: how has a species like the house sparrow adapted to such a vast, global range? In her 2016 book The Genius of Birds, Jennifer Ackerman explores this and many other questions.
When we think about birds, intelligence is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. We know that they fly, sing, call, build nests, and migrate over long distances. Ackerman, however, dives into these traits and reveals their deeper connection to avian intelligence.
Bird brains are surprisingly complex. Though tiny, they are densely packed with neurons, in numbers that can rival primates. Some birds even create and use tools, like the New Caledonian Crow. Others, such as the Satin Bowerbird, display artistic behavior. How do birds develop these sophisticated traits, and why? Ackerman investigates these mysteries and more.
As a local birder, I was eager to learn about avian intelligence to better recognize and understand the behaviors I observe. For example, did you know that the more “dees” a Black-capped Chickadee sings, the closer a threat is? Or that songbirds, like Song Sparrows, teach their young to sing, and the fledglings practice repeatedly until they perfect their songs?
Some birds exhibit even more remarkable behavior. Take the Scrub Jay, for instance. It hides caches of acorns and nuts across thousands of locations, yet remembers where each one is. Astonishingly, almost 30% of its food is stolen by other birds. To adapt, the scrub jay has developed clever strategies to deceive thieves: it may hide food in less obvious spots, pretend to cache food in a false location, or create ruses to mislead pilferers.
What fascinated me most was Ackerman’s chapter on migration and advanced navigation. It has long been known that migrating birds use the sun, stars, and wind to guide their journeys. But how do they know where to go? How do Pigeons travel hundreds of miles and still find their way home with such precision? Studies suggest that biological features in their brains help them navigate, offering a glimpse into the remarkable intelligence of birds.
When birders spend countless hours in the field observing birds, it’s hard not to notice their behaviors. Many behaviors are species-specific, and understanding them can help with bird identification. The sounds they make, the way they move, how they fly, and how they feed are all clues to recognizing different birds.
Ackerman explains these traits through engaging science and vivid anecdotes. This book offers an accessible introduction to avian behavior, blending research with a clear love of birds. It is an enjoyable and informative read for both new and experienced birders interested in the remarkable intelligence of our feathered friends.
