Birds are often underestimated for their intelligence and ability to adapt to their environment. One of the ways they have proven their adaptability is through the use of tools to survive. It may be surprising to realize that not only some primates but also birds use tools for various purposes.

From crafting nests to obtaining food, birds have shown remarkable resourcefulness and creativity in using tools.

One of the most well-known examples is the use of twigs and other materials to construct nests. One species that particularly stands out is the weaver bird, which weaves intricate nests out of grass and leaves and uses hooks and knots to secure them to branches.

But birds aren’t just limited to using tools for building. They’ve also discovered ways to obtain food using tools. For example, some species of woodpecker use their beaks to drill holes into trees and extract insects as a food source. Others, such as the Egyptian vulture, use stones to crack open ostrich eggs for a meal.

Some birds take this a step further by modifying the tools they use. Crows, for example, have been observed bending wires into hooks to extract food from hard-to-reach places. They’ve even been known to drop nuts on the street and wait for cars to crush them, making them easier to access.

Another fascinating use of tools is seen in the New Caledonian crow. This species is known to fashion hooks out of sticks to obtain insects from trees. What’s even more impressive is that they’ll often modify the tool to make it more effective over time, demonstrating their ability to learn and adapt.

In addition to these uses, birds have also been observed using tools for communication. The male palm cockatoo, for example, will typically drum on a hollow log with a stick to attract a mate. While the drumming sound alone is enough to advertise his presence, the use of the tool enhances the sound and makes it more attractive.

This diverse range of tool use in birds demonstrates the various ways in which they’ve adapted to their environment and evolved to survive. While they may not have the same level of complexity as human tools, the creativity and ingenuity shown by these creatures are remarkable.

As we continue to study and learn from birds, we’ll undoubtedly uncover even more fascinating ways in which they use tools to thrive in their habitats.