What a Bird Brain

Though bird brains are a thousand times smaller than a human brain, birds have a cortex that controls perception, such as seeing and hearing. The cortex also controls some aspects of their behavior, such as moving their wings to fly or dancing to impress a potential mate.

Image of hummingbird flying toward a flower

Hummingbirds perceive flowers in different ways from us. They see colors differently and are able to perceive food in the flowers.

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Did you know that the cortex is generally made up of six horizontal layers, each with its own characteristic neuronal cells?

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What allows you to perceive? What allows you to move? Control and input to these areas is generally in the cortex.

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Did you know that hummingbird eggs are so small, a penny would cover three eggs!

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