Avian brain and cognition   Prof. Toshiya Matsushima (Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.) Prof. Onur Güntürkün (Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, FRG)

A common notion has been that birds' brains are simple, or so scientists thought and taught for many years.  But that notion has increasingly been called into question.  We now recognize that the avian brain is as complex, flexible and inventive as any mammalian brain, and this has been reflected in the recent adoption of a more accurate nomenclature that also reflects a new understanding of the anatomies of bird and mammal brains.  The aim of the symposium is to bring together some avian neuro-cognitive scientists that work on topics which are currently a focus of interest for scientists working with mammals.  The arguments selected will include neuroeconomics (Toshiya), space and number cognition (Vallortigara), the convergent evolution of prefrontal brain structures in birds and mammals (Güntürkün), and the evolution of cognitive traits and brains as shaped by ecological pressures (Lefebre).  As a whole, the papers will provide a concise state-of-the-art of the recent advancement on avian brain and cognition and a direct comparison with theories and methods which are in use in mammals.. Onur Güntürkün: The convergent evolution of prefrontal 'cortices' in birds and mammals. Louis Lefebr: Behavioural flexibility and selection for enlarged brains. Toshiya Matsushima: Brain mechanisms meet foraging ecology. Giorgio Vallortigara: Space and number sense in newborn chicks.