Jays reveal remarkable self-control linked to intelligence

Previously published research in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B" confirms that jays, like humans, possess the ability for self-control. This trait, associated with intelligence, allows them to resist the temptation of immediate consumption in favour of future benefits.

Jays, belonging to the crow family, are known for their high cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that these birds can hide food to consume it later, which requires a great deal of self-control. Until now, the ability for self-control has been associated with the level of intelligence in humans, chimpanzees, and cuttlefish. With increasing intelligence, stronger self-control abilities are also observed in these organisms. Scientists suggest that this skill might have evolved independently in different animal groups.

To study the self-control of jays, scientists conducted a test inspired by the Stanford experiment from 1972. Jays had a choice between immediate access to less attractive food and waiting for their favourite treat. The results showed that birds with higher intelligence exhibited greater patience.

In the experiment, jays could choose between bread or cheese, available immediately, and a mealworm, which was available after some time. Birds that performed better in cognitive tasks waited longer for the mealworm, suggesting a link between intelligence and self-control.

The best in the test was the jay "JayLo," who waited for the mealworm for about five and a half minutes, ignoring the cheese. Other birds, like "Dolci" and "Homer," showed less patience, waiting only about 20 seconds. The study confirms that self-control is linked to intelligence in jays.

It is worth noting that jays, compared to other members of the crow family, are particularly vulnerable to the theft of their food supplies by other birds. Therefore, they have developed a strategy of hiding food in such a way that no one can see or hear them during the hiding process.