Scientists at Utsunomiya University, Japan have found a very interesting mathematical ability in crows. Crows were shown two containers labeled with random symbols that included numbers, letters and abstract symbols. Only the containers marked with 5 random symbols contained the food. The researchers were shocked by the birds’ ability to compare the numbers and abstract symbols that were printed on the containers of food and in 70% of cases identify the container with 5 symbols. Only eight crows had been involved in this experiment, so it’s not really conclusive, but still it’s interesting.

There are also other reports that other birds such as parrots can be trained to associate Arabic numerals with actual quantities and can understand the concept of zero.

Chicks can do simple sums soon after they hatch, according to a study by scientists in Italy. Researchers observed what they called “impressive arithmetic” in newly hatched chicks, none of which had been trained or had any previous experience of problem solving. The study was designed to find evidence for basic mathematical skills in young animals that have not been taught first. Rosa Rugani at the University of Trento demonstrated chicks’ ability to add and subtract by moving identical objects behind two screens as the animals looked at. According to Rugani, the chicks had to perform simple arithmetic to work out which screen obscured the larger number of objects.

In a series of simple maths tests, Rugani’s team attached a fishing line to each of the plastic capsules and used it to move them behind two screens that the chick could see. When all of the containers had been hidden, the chick was set free to investigate. Scientists found that when the chicks went in search of the capsules, they peered first behind the screen that concealed the larger number of containers.

In a more difficult test, the researchers moved the containers back and forth behind the two screens while the chicks watched. When they were released, the chicks still ran to the screen obscuring the most containers, suggesting they had been able to keep track of the number of capsules behind each screen by adding and subtracting them as they moved.

The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.