274 BRANCH CHORDATA 



child performs a certain action, we ascribe to him certain sensa- 

 tions, emotions, or phases of intelhgence. When a bird does 

 the same thing, it is only fair to believe that these same activities 

 are accompanied by similar, though perhaps less distinguishable, 

 psychologic processes. If we deal fairly, and our observations 

 are complete, much may be learned to add to the meager informa- 

 tion given in our scientific books upon this fascinating subject. 

 Always ask these questions: Exactly what did the bird do? 

 Under precisely what circumstances? Possible causes? Most 

 probable cause? Does the result of the bird's action prove that 

 your conclusion is correct? 



Scientists differ widely in their opinions on bird mind, but it 

 is thought that there is abundant proof that, in intelligence, 

 birds stand next to mammals, if they do not surpass some of them. 

 All will surely agree that birds feel pleasure and pain ; that they 

 exhibit surprise, fear, sexual feeling, sexual selection, parental 

 affection, curiosity, industry, pugnacity, anger, jealousy, play, 

 grief, and a wonderful homing instinct.^ Many examples are 

 recorded which seem to show sympathy, revenge, recognition of 

 persons, and affection for, or, at least, attachment to, their human 

 friends. Birds recognize their offspring, they have memory, as- 

 sociation of ideas, and communication of ideas. Examples are 

 given by some of recognition of pictures. It is hoped that this 

 will be further experimented with. Bower birds (Fig. 225) and 

 others show an appreciation of beautiful surroundings, while 

 many birds seem to appreciate the brilliant colors and songs of 

 their mates. By experimenting with different colored foods 

 it has been proved that birds can distinguish colors in objects 

 and that they learn by experience and make intelligent choice. 

 The best possible treatise on the psychology of birds is the living, 

 acting bird which every student can have almost every day in 

 the year. Study the birds. Make accurate observations and 

 record them. Weigh your conclusions. 



The Migration of Birds. — There is no theory which satisfac- 

 torily accounts for the periodic coming and going of the birds. 

 One theory attributes it to the varying temperature. Another 

 theory attributes it to a lack of food, but many of our birds come 

 in March, when food is still scarce and the temperature low, and 



1 Romanes, "Animal Intelligence." Also Darwin, " Origin of Species." 



