These observations are interpretations of behavior viewed through human eyes. (What’s the concept of a “hat” to an orca?)
Perhaps we interpret their behavior this way because it is our behavior.
Perhaps we interpret their behavior this way because it is our behavior.
You might very well misinterpret an animal's experience or motives but it is not just mistaken "anthropomorphism" but could just be the same kind of misunderstanding you might have about another person's experience or motives.
From time to time I see a paper proving that horses or dogs could do something that people who work with horses or dogs always believed they could do or that some bird or mammal has a "theory of mind" -- I believe all birds and mammals have a pretty good "theory of mind", it's just hard to do an experiment to prove it.
We've had a cardinal that has been coming to our window for a few years that we can't agree on naming "bad bird" or "noisy bird" that sets up a nest a few yards from a bird feeder and spends all day fighting it's own reflection in the glass. My interpretation, which could be wrong, is that it believes it is a very successful bird that has found an excellent nesting spot and finds meaning in its life by fighting off "competition" for its nest -- certainly it does not need to spend a lot of energy foraging and has the time and energy to peck at the window all day.
A case where I know my own psychology has to do with it is the red winged blackbird which is a highly territorial bird which is always calling attention to nests that I'd otherwise ignore by buzz-bombing me and that I see high up in the air flapping frantically to nip at the tail feathers and harass huge hawks that are flapping languidly riding thermals. I see these birds sitting on top of "POSTED: NO TRESPASSING" signs all the time because these are convenient perches, although they have no idea that the sign fits their mindset really well. One of my photography goals in the next few weeks is to get some of those pictures though I don't have a particularly long lens so I'll have the problem that they'll probably try to buzz bomb me instead of sitting still to get their picture taken.
Growing up with cats and dogs all my life I 100% agree with this. That has caused me to look at animals as individuals I can't communicate with instead of lower life forms that are brainless sacks of meat. They certainty are capable of thought and I am also convinced they share the same basic emotional states but humans have much more nuance and layers over them.
Our pet bird (sun conure) actively tries to lie and mislead when he's doing something naughty. Like he will go into the pantry to steal treats and quickly fly out pretending he wasn't in there when he hears you approaching.
This indicates he has some theory of mind. He has to understand there's a difference between what he knows and what we know, otherwise he wouldn't try to hide or obscure his actions.
And yes there is research showing/arguing that birds have theory of mind --> https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144146926.pdf
So now he uses that when he needs us to open a door. Threatening to be naughty is the most effective way to get human to come over. Then you fly to the door and human gets the message and opens door. Or treat box or whatever you want help with.
Little shits
The trend of Orcas wearing hats feels very much the same: https://archive.is/2024.12.15-213212/https://www.nationalgeo...
Google pics for it, can you think of any other reason for an orca to wear a salmon on their head.
Song birds also have similar fashions in what they choose to sing and that spreads much faster than evolution can explain.