Sometimes, a crossword clue pops up that doesn’t just test your vocabulary; it makes you pause and marvel at the natural world. It challenges you to think beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary capabilities of creatures we often overlook. When you’re solving a crossword clue like ‘Bird that can build tools and remember human faces,’ it’s a clear invitation to explore the profound intelligence hidden in plain sight.
This particular crossword clue points to an avian species renowned for its incredible cognitive prowess. It’s a creature that consistently shatters our preconceived notions about bird brains. Imagine a bird not just using found objects, but actively modifying them, shaping them, and employing them as instruments to achieve a goal. We’re talking about sophisticated problem-solving, not just instinct. This bird has been observed bending wire into hooks to retrieve food, dropping nuts onto busy roads for cars to crack them, and even using sticks to poke into crevices, coaxing out hidden morsels. This isn’t just a lucky happenstance; it’s deliberate, learned behavior, often passed down through generations. These examples truly elevate this bird beyond simple animal cunning, placing it squarely in the realm of advanced intelligence, making it a compelling subject for any challenging crossword clue.
But the marvel doesn’t stop there. The latter part of the crossword clue — ‘remember human faces’ — adds another layer of astonishing complexity. This isn’t anecdotal folklore; it’s backed by rigorous scientific study. Researchers have found that this bird can distinctly recognize individual human faces, differentiating between those who have been kind to them and those who have posed a threat. More than that, they remember these faces over long periods, sometimes for years. What’s truly remarkable is their ability to communicate this information to others in their flock. If one bird has a negative encounter with a specific person, other members of its group might also react cautiously to that same individual, even if they’ve never met them before. This suggests a form of social learning and communication that is startlingly advanced, painting a picture of a creature with complex social structures and an impressive capacity for memory and recognition. It makes for a truly mind-bending crossword clue, doesn’t it?
Encountering such a specific and intriguing description in your daily crossword puzzles can be an eye-opener. It forces us to confront the fact that intelligence manifests in myriad forms across the animal kingdom. This bird’s ability to manipulate its environment with tools and to possess such granular memory for individual human interactions speaks volumes about its adaptability, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of its surroundings. It’s a testament to the intricate workings of nature and a fantastic reminder of how much there is still to learn about the creatures that share our planet. For any enthusiast trying their hand at solving crosswords, this kind of specific, intelligent-focused clue is a gift, prompting further thought and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. It’s a truly captivating subject, highlighting just how smart a bird can be. What an incredible animal to think about when you’re working on that challenging crossword clue!
Available Answers:
CROW.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0905-25 NY Times Crossword 5 Sep 25, Friday