Scientists discover tool use in nearly-extinct Hawaiian crow

The New Caledonian crow uses sticks as tools to extract insects and grubs from difficult to reach spots, but a recent study of captive Hawaiian crows revealed the skill may be based in genetics.

Published in the journal Nature, the new study was based on an extensive search for another crow that could use tools like the New Caledonian crow.

“We had previously noticed that New Caledonian crows have unusually straight bills, and wondered whether this may be an adaptation for holding tools, similar to humans’ opposable thumb,” study author Christian Rutz, from the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom, said in a press release.

Finding a new candidate for animal intelligence

By looking for this tell-tale sign in various crow species, Rutz eventually stumbled upon a significantly encouraging candidate for further study – the ‘Alala, or Hawaiian crow.

After a population crash in the late 20th century, the Hawaiian crow is now extinct in the wild. In a last-ditch attempt to save the species, the last of the wild birds were taken into captivity and put on a breeding plan.

When the team spoke to zoologists at the San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program, they were told some Hawaiian crows had been seen using tools at two breeding facilities.

“We tested 104 of the 109 ‘Alalā alive at the time, and found that the vast majority of them spontaneously used tools,” said study author Bryce Masuda, the program manager of San Diego conservation program.

Tool use is normal for these creatures

Studies have shown tool use is a part of the species’ normal behavior, as opposed to being a random trait that arose in captivity.

“Using tools comes naturally to ‘Alalā,” Ruta said. “These birds had no specific training prior to our study, yet most of them were incredibly skilled at handling stick tools, and even swiftly extracted bait from demanding tasks. In many regards, the ‘Alalā is very similar to the New Caledonian crow, which my team has been studying for over 10 years.”

Finding a second tool-using crow species can help address long-standing issues about the evolution of tool use in animals.

“As crow species go, the ‘Alalā and the New Caledonian crow are only very distantly related. With their last common ancestor living around 11 million years ago, it seems safe to assume that their tool-using skills arose independently,” Rutz said. “It is striking that both species evolved on remote tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean that lack woodpeckers and ferocious bird predators – perfect conditions, apparently, for smart crows to become accomplished tool users!”

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Image credit: San Diego Zoo Global

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