Barcode-like memories in chickadees

From: Nice News "If you often have a hard time recalling where you placed your keys or wallet, you’ll be especially impressed by the incredible memory capabilities of black-capped chickadees. The small birds store and retrieve thousands of seeds and insects to eat throughout winter, and a recent study shed light on how they’re able to remember each snack’s hiding spot. ​ Researchers determined that members of the avian species create “barcode-like” memories when they deposit food, and those barcodes are reactivated during the retrieval process. The team arrived at their conclusion by observing chickadees in constructed arenas with various spots for stashing food."

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