May 28, 2025, 3:52 am | Read time: 6 minutes

They give away worms, respond to stimuli, and recognize themselves in mirrors—some birds exhibit behaviors suggesting they possess consciousness. What does science say about this? PETBOOK has new insights into their cognitive abilities and self-awareness.

What Consciousness Can Mean in Animals

In addition to the question of whether animals have consciousness, Konrad Lehmann, a neurobiologist and author of the book “The Consciousness of Animals,” explores what consciousness actually entails. The neuroscientist emphasizes that consciousness is not a monolithic state but consists of many mental abilities anchored in different parts of the brain. The following are the central features that, according to Lehmann, are crucial for conscious experience–even in animals. 

An Internal Model of the World

A central criterion is the ability to form an internal image of the environment. This mental model includes not only current sensory impressions but also memories and expectations–allowing a living being to respond flexibly to new situations, plan actions in advance, and orient itself in space and social contexts. 

Theory of Mind

Equally essential is the so-called Theory of Mind: the ability to imagine what another living being might think, know, or feel. This mental perspective-taking is a central element of social intelligence–and is detectable in some animal species, including certain bird species, to some extent. 

Focused Attention

Another feature indicating the presence of consciousness is focused attention. This refers to the ability to consciously perceive and focus on stimuli or thoughts–as opposed to automated or reflexive reactions. Attention allows for setting priorities, making decisions, and reflecting on experiences. 

Moral Consciousness

The presence of moral consciousness, according to Lehmann, refers to the ability to view one’s actions in light of social or fair norms. Although this aspect has been scarcely researched in animals, it could be hinted at in cooperative behavior or altruistic reactions. 

Self-Consciousness

Self-consciousness means experiencing oneself as an independent being with a stable identity. It requires the ability to distinguish between oneself and the environment–a skill that can be expressed in the mirror test or in conscious actions. 

Subjectivity

Subjectivity refers to experiencing the world from one’s own perspective–the personal sense of “I.” This feature is difficult to grasp but is considered the core of the concept of consciousness. Subjectivity is evident in how living beings process experiences, feel emotions, or make individual decisions. 

Individuality

Closely linked to this is the individuality of an animal–the fact that each individual develops its own preferences, behaviors, and experiences. This uniqueness suggests that animals are not mere functional automatons but respond to the world with their own inner experiences. 

Consciousness does not manifest in a single indicator but in a spectrum of cognitive features. What criteria do birds meet for the presence of consciousness? 

Smart Birds: Indications of Inner Experience

It is known that birds like corvids and parrots possess high intelligence–but could they even have consciousness? For Konrad Lehmann, certain behaviors and neuroscientific findings suggest just that. 

An example is provided by a study with New Caledonian crows, where so-called “masked stimuli” were used. The animals were shown an image for a few milliseconds, which was immediately followed by a second image–a method intended to keep the first image below the threshold of conscious perception. Nevertheless, the crows reacted to the hidden stimulus: Their brain activity suggested they believed they had seen something. For Lehmann, this is an example of “operationalized consciousness”–consciousness that can be indirectly demonstrated through behavior and brain reactions. 

Metacognitive abilities–the ability to think about one’s own knowledge and uncertainty–have also been experimentally demonstrated in crows. In one experiment, they had to decide whether to correctly identify an image from a selection or choose a guaranteed reward, regardless of the outcome. The animals made their choice depending on how confident they apparently were. This strategic behavior is considered a sign of self-reflection–a mental process closely linked to consciousness in humans. 

Additionally, birds show complex abilities in handling objects. New Caledonian crows, for example, deliberately make hook tools from small branches or leaves–tools with a curved end that they use to fish insects out of crevices. They adapt the shape and material to the specific problem. According to Lehmann, this behavior is not purely instinctive but purposeful, flexible, and inventive, suggesting that the animals use an internal model of the world–another indication of conscious experience. 

Emotions, Empathy, and Self-Image in Birds

Consciousness is not only evident in clever problem-solving but also in the presence of emotions, play behavior, or self-awareness. Here, too, birds provide remarkable indications. 

An example is the social feeding behavior of male Eurasian jays. During courtship, they bring their partner specific types of worms as gifts–but not randomly. Studies show that the males remember what the female has recently eaten and then choose a different type. This ability to consider another being’s satiation and preferences is interpreted by researchers as perspective-taking–a central element of the Theory of Mind. “Eurasian jays gift their beloved with worms they like. They pay attention to what the female has often had and then bring something different,” Lehmann summarizes. 

Another indication of birds’ inner experience is shown through the mirror test, which examines whether an animal can recognize itself. While many species only react socially to their reflection, magpies exhibit striking behavior: They attempt to remove a sticker placed on their body–but only when it is visible in the mirror. Lehmann sees this as a possible sign of self-modeling–the ability to experience oneself as a separate and acting being from the environment. 

Playful behavior is also considered an indication of emotional intelligence. Some bird species exhibit play actions that serve no direct purpose like foraging or social behavior–such as repeatedly dropping objects, balancing, or performing acrobatic flight maneuvers. These behaviors are individual, context-dependent, and repeatable–and suggest spontaneity, emotion, and perhaps even joy. Lehmann also points to examples from the insect world, such as the European paper wasp, which is considered evidence of playful behavior in non-human animals. 

Do Birds Have Consciousness?

Even if (most!) birds cannot speak, there are indications that birds possess consciousness–not only for external stimuli but also for social contexts and internal states. 

Overall, it shows: 

• Birds do not act solely on instinct but in a differentiated, flexible, and individual manner. 
• They recognize the needs, experiences, and preferences of others–and respond accordingly. 
• There are indications of self-modeling: They seem to perceive themselves as independent beings. 

The fact that corvids, for example, act with foresight, reflect on their own decisions, and even recognize themselves in mirrors suggests an inner experience. Added to this are complex social behaviors, such as deliberately gifting partners or adapting to the emotional state of others. In short, the image of the mindless bird seems outdated.¹