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Depending on how one defines "intelligence", my vote is cast for the Canadian goose. Why? Canadian geese are "heart smart". By that I mean to say, their characteristics could teach us humans a lot about life, if we observed and followed their ways more closely.

Intelligence can be examined and measured in many different ways. How ever one decides to measure a bird's intelligence, since they all appear to have a gift of one sort or another, the Canadian goose gives evidence they belong on or near the top of the list. Here is why:

Love and marriage: Canadian geese marry for life. They stay completely faithful to their mates "until death do us part". They are so bonded that when one mate dies within a matter of weeks the other will follow.

Parenting: They make excellent parents. Even adopting orphan goslings into their own family, if any should need to join them. If you watch them, the Dad will lead the group and the Mom will head up the rear assuring direction and protection to their young. Both parents contribute responsible behavior helping their young to eventually become self-sufficient and independant.

Friendship: When they fly in "V" formation, on their bi-annual migratory route, it is because the leader is breaking the air current for those behind him. This means the others do not have to flap their wings so hard to be able to make the long journey. When they sense the leader is flying off course due to fatigue, together they "honk" at him to signal him to fly to the back of the pack where he can get the most benefit from the others working in front of him and some much deserved rest. Sadly, if one of their feathered friends should get shot by a hunter, two others will immediately fly down to stay beside their friend until he dies or gets well.

I think they should be called US/Canadian geese because they are actually citizens of both countries and I'm happy to say their flight pattern takes them right over my house every Fall and Spring bringing me a smile and I hope others as well. These wonderful birds have an intelligence all their own.

Without giving it a thought, they display lifelong marital fidelity, take excellent care of their offspring, become real team players in flight and stand beside each other during hard times despite the danger. Imagine what a better place this world would be if we displayed these intelligent, unselfish qualitites to one another. The Canadian goose gets my vote for the "most intelligent bird."

Learn more about this author, Victoria Rose Perkins.
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