Researchers find dodo birds had pigeon-level intelligence.

The dodo bird, often seen as a clumsy, slow-witted creature linked to human-caused extinction, may have been far smarter than previously thought. A new study suggests the flightless bird, native to Mauritius, had cognitive abilities comparable to modern pigeons and could see well in the dark. Researchers analyzed the skull of the dodo, using CT scans to reconstruct its brain structure and inner ear, revealing clues about its intelligence and sensory capabilities.

The findings challenge the long-held stereotype of the dodo as a dim-witted bird. Historically, the dodo’s reputation stemmed from its inability to fly, its ground-nesting habits, and its extinction in the late 17th century, just decades after humans arrived on Mauritius. Settlers and invasive species wiped out the bird, cementing its image as a helpless victim of human activity. But this new research suggests the dodo was more adaptable than we gave it credit for, with sensory adaptations that may have helped it navigate Mauritius’ dense forests at night.

The study, published in the *Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society*, used advanced imaging to compare the dodo’s brain and inner ear to those of its closest relatives, including pigeons and doves. The results showed the dodo had a well-developed cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination, and an inner ear structure similar to birds that hunt in low light. This suggests the dodo may have been active at night, foraging for food when it was safer from predators.

The research not only rewrites the dodo’s reputation but also highlights how human activity can erase complex creatures from history before we fully understand them. It underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity and studying extinct species to uncover lost traits that could inform conservation efforts today. The dodo’s story serves as a cautionary tale, but this new insight reminds us that even the most misunderstood species may have hidden depths worth exploring.