Study Reveals Emus and Rheas Can Innovate to Solve Problems

New research challenges the perception of large flightless birds as unintelligent by demonstrating their ability to develop problem-solving techniques.

A study published in *Scientific Reports* tested the problem-solving abilities of emus, rheas, and ostriches using a rotating puzzle designed to access food rewards.
Emus successfully solved the puzzle on their first attempt and consistently chose the most efficient solution in 90% of cases during repeated trials.
A male rhea demonstrated an additional problem-solving strategy by dismantling the puzzle mechanism, showcasing further innovation.
Ostriches in the study did not exhibit innovative problem-solving behavior during the tests.
Researchers suggest these findings indicate that technical innovation in birds may have evolved earlier than previously thought, offering insights into both bird cognition and the behavior of their dinosaur ancestors.