To thrive in urban environments birds need to either develop large brains like seagulls or have more offspring like pigeons, a study finds. They found birds with larger brains are able to find new food sources and avoid human-made hazards more accurately than their smaller brained peers. Those with smaller brains, such as pigeons had to rely on larger populations - so more offspring - to survive in a human dominated area. Lead author, Dr Ferran Sayol, of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, said cities are harsh environments for most species. Previous research has found birds with larger brains have a number of advantages.

Source: Daily Mail March 25, 2020 04:02 UTC