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Feathers of Genius: Exploring the Top 5 Smartest Birds in the Avian Kingdom

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Animal intelligence can take many forms, but birds stand out as some of the most intelligent among these amazing beings. A limited group of birds in the avian kingdom have attained the title of being the smartest. These birds distinguish themselves through cognitive capacities, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. Let’s dive into the world of the top five smartest birds and explore what makes them extraordinary.

  1. Crows: The Apex of Avian Intelligence

When it comes to avian intelligence, crows reign supreme. Crows are skilled tool users in addition to being outstanding problem solvers. There are reports of crows dropping nuts onto congested roads in Japan and using passing vehicles to break them open. By patiently waiting on powerlines for traffic to slow down before descending to eat the smashed nut bits, these birds exhibit sophisticated cause-and-effect reasoning. Crows are also known for their remarkable ability to craft tools from leaves, twigs, and sticks to access insects hidden in tree crevices. Perhaps most astonishingly, they can remember human facial features for extended periods, challenging the notion of a “bird brain.”

  1. Ravens: Masters of Mimicry and Memory

Crows’ distant cousins, the ravens, are also exceptionally intelligent. They have a propensity for replicating human noises as well as those made by other birds, including everything from vehicle engines to flushing toilets. Like crows, ravens are adept tool users who use objects to achieve their goals. Raven’s intelligence is notable in part because of its “episodic memory.” With the ability to recall people and experiences, they can engage in challenging activities like hide-and-seek games and gesture-based communication. They belong to the avian elite because of their complex intelligence.

  1. Jackdaws: Masters of Social Intelligence

Jackdaws, closely related to crows, have earned their spot among the smartest birds. These sociable birds have a special obsession with eye contact, and they are the only non-primate species that can read gestures from people and other birds by looking into their eyes. The wide range of vocalisations made by jackdaws, from warnings to greetings, demonstrates their highly developed social intelligence. The ability of these birds to mimic human speech is another demonstration of their intelligence. Their sophisticated social relationships and varied behaviours demonstrate a depth of intelligence that distinguishes them.

  1. Western Scrub Jays: Masters of Cunning Strategies

Western scrub jays are well known for their creative methods of food preservation. While many birds practise food storage, scrub jays go above and beyond.  They safeguard their precious food supplies by frequently changing hiding spots, effectively outsmarting potential thieves like other birds and squirrels. Their capacity to participate in simulated storage—pretending to hide food in one location while covertly stashing it elsewhere—makes this process even more fascinating. This clever trick displays their strategic thinking while ensuring the security of their food.

  1. Clark’s Nutcrackers: Masters of Memory

Our list of the top 5 smartest birds is completed with Clark’s nutcrackers, which have an outstanding memory. These birds possess an incredible ability to remember the locations of their food supplies, even up to nine months after storing them. They are able to do this by taking note of features like tree stumps and fence posts. Clark’s nutcrackers depend on their remarkable memory and resourcefulness to survive, gathering an incredible 98,000 seeds during the winter. 

In conclusion, there are many clever birds in the avian world, each with its own cognitive skills. These birds serve as a reminder that intelligence is not unique to humans but can be found in the entire animal kingdom, from the problem-solving prowess of crows to the mimicry abilities of ravens, the social intelligence of jackdaws, the cunning strategies of western scrub jays, and the memory feats of Clark’s nutcrackers. We learn more about the various ways that intelligence appears in the natural world as we continue to learn about and appreciate these amazing species.

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Dua Lipa: The Global Pop Sensation Redefining Modern Music and Culture

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Dua Lipa has quickly become one of the most influential and celebrated artists of her generation. Known for her velvety voice, empowering lyrics, and bold style, she has transcended the boundaries of pop music to become a global icon. With a career that skyrocketed in just a few years, Dua Lipa continues to prove that she is not just a star but a force reshaping modern music and culture.

Her rise to fame began with her self-titled debut album, which featured hits like New Rules—a modern anthem for self-respect and independence. Dua’s ability to blend dance beats with emotional depth became her signature, solidifying her position as a pop powerhouse. Her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, was a game-changer, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and acclaim for reviving disco and funk influences in contemporary music. Songs like Don’t Start Now and Levitating became global hits, further proving her ability to craft timeless music that resonates across generations.

But Dua Lipa is more than just a chart-topping singer. She has become a style icon, known for her daring and eclectic fashion sense that effortlessly blends haute couture with streetwear. Her appearances on red carpets and collaborations with luxury brands like Versace have cemented her as a trendsetter.

In addition to her music and fashion influence, Dua has used her platform to advocate for causes she believes in. As a second-generation immigrant from Kosovo, she has been vocal about her heritage and has supported initiatives to uplift her community. In 2020, she co-founded Sunny Hill Foundation to help those in need in Kosovo, showcasing her commitment to philanthropy.

Dua’s versatility extends to the business world as well, with ventures such as her podcast At Your Service, where she connects with influential figures to discuss creativity and culture. Her ability to engage with her audience on multiple levels makes her a modern icon who continues to inspire and innovate.

Whether dominating the charts, turning heads with her fashion, or making a difference through her advocacy, Dua Lipa represents the perfect blend of artistry and authenticity. She is not just shaping the future of pop music but also empowering a new generation to embrace individuality and fearlessness.

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Andie MacDowell Opens Up About Rejecting Hollywood’s Unrealistic Standards

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Andie MacDowell is embracing comfort and self-acceptance, especially when it comes to Hollywood’s beauty standards.

During L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth Celebration on Nov. 21, the 66-year-old actress reflected on a recent experience that made her reevaluate the pressures she has faced.

“I did a fitting, and the dress was really tight around my waist. It looked so good, but I woke up knowing it wasn’t the right thing for me,” she shared. “Of course, I immediately shamed myself for not being able to fit into this dress. But that’s Hollywood — this expectation to be something you can no longer be. I’m too old to starve myself for 5 pounds nonstop. I just can’t do it anymore.”

MacDowell noted that societal and industry expectations often push unattainable ideals, a reality she sees reflected in her work and personal life. “I used to live in Montana. When I’m at home, I feel skinny. It’s only when I come out here that I feel like the bar is raised so high, and the expectations are beyond anything anybody can accomplish unless you’re completely devoted to being skinny.”

She expressed a newfound perspective on her priorities: “I want to learn about birds, walk on the beach, be smart, and read books. I’d rather have the 5 pounds on me and wear something that fits than starve myself just to fit into clothes.”

The Way Home star also touched on the broader impact of these societal pressures, recounting a personal story about her grandniece, who struggled with anorexia at the age of 12. “It’s all from expectations she sees on social media and in the world. It was a really hard battle for her. She’s doing fantastic now, but we can’t keep pushing these expectations on people.”

MacDowell’s candid reflections are a reminder of the importance of self-love and rejecting unattainable standards.

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Meghan Markle Reflects on Holiday Traditions and Building Community with Prince Harry and Their Kids

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The holiday season is a time for family, tradition, and gratitude—something Meghan Markle says she cherishes more with each passing year.

In a recent interview with Marie Claire, the Duchess of Sussex shared insights about celebrating holidays with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. “Every year it gets better,” Meghan revealed, emphasizing how the magic of traditions evolves as her kids grow.

“At first, you’re just enjoying having them there, even if they don’t fully grasp what’s happening,” Meghan explained. “Now, I can’t wait to see it through their eyes every year.”

For Thanksgiving, Meghan described their approach as “low-key” but deeply meaningful, often sharing their table with friends, including her mother, Doria Ragland, and even icons like Gloria Steinem, who joined the family last year.

For Christmas, the family adds whimsical touches, like leaving “carrots for the reindeer.” Meghan hopes to instill lasting memories in her children through recipes and traditions they can carry into adulthood.

Beyond family celebrations, Meghan is also focused on giving back. Through the Archewell Foundation’s Welcome Project, the Duchess recently hosted a dinner for Afghan women rebuilding their lives in the U.S. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the emotional challenges of displacement and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging.

“These moments of togetherness remind people their life isn’t ending—it’s a new chapter,” Meghan said, reflecting on the resilience of the women involved.

As for helping others feel welcome during the holidays, Meghan kept it simple: “Just think about how you’d want someone to treat you.”

From personal traditions to acts of service, Meghan Markle continues to champion family, community, and the power of connection this holiday season.

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