It used to be that calling someone a birdbrain meant you considered them a simpleton. Turns out, it’s just the opposite.
Compared to similar-sized mammal brains, those of songbirds and parrots contain 4 times the number of neurons. That enables impressive plasticity—that is, the ability to alter behavior to meet environmental changes.
For example, usually solitary lyrebirds banded together near watering holes during the Australian bushfires. Some even burrowed into empty wombat holes or under wet blankets with humans to stay safe.
Then there are the sparrows who learn to hover in front of sensors to open cafeteria doors.
Even nest building is part learned behavior. You might wonder why some sparrows weave cigarette butts into their nests—that is, until you realize (as the birds apparently do) that nicotine kills parasites.