Research report 2011 - Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (Seewiesen site)
Look at this: Ravens use referential gestures
Authors
Pika, Simone
Departments
Humboldt Forschungsgruppe Vergleichende Gestische Kommunikation
Summary
The Humboldt Research Group focuses on cognitive complexity underlying gestural signaling in three model groups to uncover the mystery of language evolution: different human cultures; closely related species; and species which live in comparable social systems. In a new study, they showed that ravens use their beaks similarly to hands to show and offer objects to conspecifics. These referential gestures may be used to test the interest of a potential partner or to strengthen an already existing relationship.