That seems about right according to research.

There are many articles about bird intelligence available from multiple sources.

A more open minded perspective would instead try to look to what is "remotely close" to a human brain.

Although primates can't quite communicate like humans, they are known for being our closest relatives in scientific biological terms.

I know I am deviating from the birds subject a little, but stick with me. I need to address the "remotely close" expression you used.

Primates can display what humans would recognize as human behavior. Work in groups, social dynamics, use of simple tools.

The "looks like human" effect could be explained by anthropomorphization performed by those very humans (to put it simply: an effect where humans see human features in non human things). In fact, some behaviors considered as human are not commonly displayed by primates, like the ability to keep a pet. There is no clear definitive answer to it, and any dismissal of such behaviors could be also used to dismiss humans themselves, therefore I must refrain from entertaining them too much.

Birds also show a lot of human like behavior. Like the ability to gather objects (to construct a nest and to attract a partner are common examples).

Remember, the closest thing to humans in anatomy and biology (primates) is not very much different from birds in terms of "how it presents human-like" behavior.

So, as a counter argument, I would ask: what makes the difference of thinking between a primate and a bird so different to you? Is it their anatomy that prevents you from anthropomorphizing it so readily? Or do you also think primate brains are "nothing remotely close to a human brain"?

It cannot be denied that "closeness" is a loose definition and could generate endless discussion. I tried to concede a little bit to find a reasonable common ground that is both based on rational thinking and a little bit of open mindedness.

Under such criteria, I can assert that birds might be much more intelligent than previously assumed.

Thoughtful (and thought-provoking) comments like yours are why I frequent this site.

Thank you, stranger!

For my part, I'll add that "Humans are visual creatures", which biases every aspect of our culture -- and might help explain why many would consider other primates "closer" to us than birds.

Thanks for your answer. Let me elaborate a little bit. What diffentiates humans from most animals is not about solving complex puzzles (some birds are able to do that) or be able to learn things (birds and primates can do that as well) but in the ability of humans to plan for the future. As far as I know (but do correct me if you have better information) there is no animal that exhibits:

1) the ability to plan ahead of time 2) in a non innate way

The consequence is that humans actually build stuff by investing time and energy by visualizing a future benefit without immediate gratification. I believe this is unique in the realm of animals, at least for now.