Channel-billed Cuckoo v Torresian Crow or cunning v intelligence

[Graham Turner <>]

G'day All,
                I've always thought that Channelbills were smarter than most. 
When I
first go to know this bird in the mid-80's I always wondered why they
were in groups of 3 at the start of the breeding season. I imagined that
two cuckoos diverted the currawongs while the third 'did the deed' as it
were. I realise that birds aren't supposed to be able to count, but it
makes you wonder.

The other amazing thing with Channelbills is the change in behaviour
between chicks raised by Pied Currawings and Aust. Ravens. Not only do
they call differntly, but those raised by Ravens are almost silent (like
Ravens) unlike those raised by Currawongs which will not shut up.

Cheers,
Graham Turner
Lower Blue Mountains


Birding-Aus is on the Web at
www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message
"unsubscribe birding-aus" (no quotes, no Subject line)
to