Video: Watch Alex show off his amazing intelligence

MY FIRST confession: I’m a charter member of the Smart Bird Fan Club. I love reading about crafty cowbirds and remarkable ravens; I’d rather watch a crow than a cardinal. Yes, I’m that neighbourhood nut who praises crows to the point of exasperation, “But look at how cleverly they vandalised your garbage can!”

So I expected to adore Irene Pepperberg’s book, Alex & Me, from word one. After all, the Alex in question was a wonderfully talkative and gifted African grey parrot who could mentally organise objects by shape, colour and quantity …