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New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are the most prolific avian tool-users. Regional variation in the shape of their tools may be the result of cumulative cultural evolution--a phenomenon considered to be a hallmark of human culture. Here we show that hand-raised juvenile New Caledonian crows spontaneously manufacture and use tools, without any contact with adults of their species or any prior demonstration by humans. Our finding is a crucial step towards producing informed models of cultural transmission in this species, and in animals in general.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/433121a

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nature

Publication Date

13/01/2005

Volume

433

Keywords

Animals, Behavior, Animal, Crows, Feeding Behavior, Female, Learning, Male, Manufactured Materials