As an expert in animal cognition, I have spent considerable time studying the complex behaviors and mental processes of various species, including the fascinating subject of self-recognition in birds. The question of whether birds recognize themselves in a mirror is an intriguing one that has been the focus of many scientific investigations.
Mirror self-recognition is a behavior that has traditionally been considered a hallmark of self-awareness. It involves an animal recognizing its own reflection in a mirror as itself, rather than another individual of the same species. This ability is not common in the animal kingdom; it has been observed in great apes, dolphins, elephants, and magpies, among a few other species.
The experiment you mentioned is a classic test for self-recognition, often referred to as the "mark test." This test involves placing a mark on an animal in a location that is not visible without the aid of a mirror. If the animal recognizes the mark as part of itself when it sees its reflection, it will attempt to touch or investigate the mark, indicating self-awareness.
In the case of the magpies you referenced, the fact that they did not react to the sticker when it was first applied suggests that they were not disturbed by the foreign object on their bodies. However, their subsequent behavior of scratching at the sticker after seeing their reflection indicates that they recognized the mark as something unusual on themselves. This behavior is consistent with the criteria for mirror self-recognition.
It's important to note that not all birds have demonstrated this ability. The results of mirror self-recognition tests can vary widely among different species and even among individuals within a species. Factors such as the bird's cognitive abilities, their social structure, and their ecological needs can all influence whether they will exhibit self-recognition.
Moreover, the ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is just one aspect of an animal's cognitive repertoire. It does not necessarily imply a high level of consciousness or self-awareness in the same way that it might in humans. Birds, for example, have complex social lives and sophisticated problem-solving skills that suggest advanced cognitive abilities, but these do not always translate into mirror self-recognition.
In conclusion, while the experiment with the magpies provides evidence that at least some birds are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, it is just one piece of the puzzle in understanding the depth and complexity of avian cognition. Further research is needed to fully understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying this behavior and to explore its implications for our understanding of animal minds.
read more >>

The birds were then given a mirror. The feel of the sticker on their throats did not seem to alarm the magpies. However, when the birds with coloured stickers caught a glimpse of themselves in the mirror, they scratched at their throats--a clear indication that they recognised the image in the mirror as their own.read more >>