Performance of horned puffins (Fratercula corniculata) on an object permanence task

Huffeldt, Nicholas Per

doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104274

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…These include two studies that experimentally tested the problem-solving skills of waterbirds (Olrog's gull: [ 23 ] brown skua: [ 24 ]), though neither employed the string-pull test paradigm. A third study showed a small number of horned puffins ( Fratercula corniculate , n = 5) to be unsuccessful at an object permanence test [ 60 ] which tests whether an individual comprehends that an object continues to exist when it is suddenly hidden from view [ 61 , 62 ]. A fourth study showed that glaucous-winged gulls are capable of social learning because they solved a foraging puzzle only by watching a trained conspecific solve it first (Obozova et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Waterbird solves the string-pull test

Lamarre

Wilson

2021

R. Soc. open sci.

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String-pulling is among the most widespread cognitive tasks used to test problem-solving skills in mammals and birds. The task requires animals to comprehend that pulling on a non-valuable string moves an otherwise inaccessible food reward to within their reach. Although at least 90 avian species have been administered the string-pull test, all but five of them were perching birds (passeriformes) or parrots (psittaciformes). Waterbirds (Aequorlitornithes) are poorly represented in the cognitive literature, yet are known to engage in complex foraging behaviours. In this study, we tested whether free-living ring-billed gulls ( Larus delawarensis ), a species known for their behavioural flexibility and foraging innovativeness, could solve a horizontal string-pull test. Here, we show that 25% (26/104) of the ring-billed gulls that attempted to solve the test at least once over a maximum of three trials were successful, and that 21% of them (22/104) succeeded during their first attempt. Ring-billed gulls are thus the first waterbird known to solve a horizontal single-string-rewarded string-pull test. Since innovation rate and problem-solving are associated with species' ability to endure environmental alterations, we suggest that testing the problem-solving skills of other species facing environmental challenges will inform us of their vulnerability in a rapidly changing world.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Waterbird solves the string-pull test

Lamarre

Wilson

2021

R. Soc. open sci.

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“…[24][25][26]). However, outside of the Passeriformes and Psittaciforme order, no other avian species has been reported to reach such a level of understanding, with both ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) and tits (Periparus ater and Parus major) reaching stage 4, and some birds like horned puffins (Fratercula corniculata) having only reached stage 3 [27][28][29]. The observation that both parrots and corvids exhibit a superior level of object permanence compared to other bird species aligns with the prevailing consensus that these avian groups have evolved advanced cognitive abilities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Oriental pied hornbills ( Anthracoceros albirostris ) solve invisible displacement tasks in a test of Piagetian object permanence

Yao,

Garcia-Pelegrin

2024

Biol. Lett.

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Object permanence, the ability to mentally represent objects even when they are not directly accessible to the senses, is of vital importance for the survival of both human and non-human animals. The Oriental pied hornbill ( Anthracoceros albirostris ) is an Asian species of hornbill displaying remarkable adaptability in various environments, yet little is known about their cognitive abilities. Their breeding behaviour is unique, as the female hornbill seals herself inside a cavity before laying eggs and the male feeds her and their offspring without visual contact, strongly suggesting the presence of object permanence to some degree. In this study, six Oriental pied hornbills underwent testing for object permanence, including a series of seven standard Piagetian tasks involving visible and invisible displacements. The subjects consistently demonstrated spontaneous object permanence in all stages leading up to the invisible displacement stage. Half of the subjects achieved full stage 6 double invisible displacement Piagetian object permanence, while the other half reached stage 5 double visible displacement. Breeding behaviour and the duration of developmental stages are proposed as potential factors influencing object permanence ability in this species of hornbill.

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Performance of horned puffins (Fratercula corniculata) on an object permanence task

Cited by 2 publications

References 26 publications

Waterbird solves the string-pull test

Waterbird solves the string-pull test

Oriental pied hornbills ( Anthracoceros albirostris ) solve invisible displacement tasks in a test of Piagetian object permanence

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