Some birds show vast critical thinking skills, while others are simply brainless twits. The hard part is to determine the level of critical thinking and the potential for self-awareness. Are these birds on the same level of intelligence as humans? I do not think so. But do they possess some degree of intelligence above certain other species? Yes, I believe so. Proving it scientifically is the tough part. The day we can measure the level of "I am" thinking in a non-humanoid species will be the day I hoot and holler.