Avian tool use in the wild

Tool use in wild birds is extremely rarely reported. Here, we summarize current reports of avian tooling beyond the anecdotal in the wild. We discuss challenges posed by the diverse set of definitions prevalent in the field and highlight which ecological and morphological factors seem to facilitate the evolution of tool use. Current evidence suggests multiple evolutionary pathways for wild tool use in birds. We propose that future research should integrate morphology, habitat, and evolutionary context in order to reveal yet undiscovered supplements to the present set of confirmed cases of avian tool use.

Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensbiologie
Universität Wien