2014
Award Winner: Dr. Christian Rutz

The 2014 Hans Löhrl Prize was awarded to Dr. Christian Rutz for his multifaceted approaches to studying New Caledonian straight-billed crows (Corvus moneduloides).

These tropical straight-billed crows, which are extremely difficult to observe in the wild, have attracted enormous attention with their astonishingly complex use of tools. Of particular note is the laureate’s contribution to the introduction of groundbreaking field ornithological data-collection technologies. He developed miniature cameras that are so small and light that medium-sized birds can easily carry them in the wild, allowing researchers to gain entirely new insights into their behavior (Rutz et al. 2007, Science). Using extremely miniaturized transmitters and numerous antennas distributed throughout the field, he was able to collect and analyze data on the social relationships within a crow population (Rutz et al. 2012, Current Biology). These innovative technologies have yielded unexpected insights into tool use and the interactions among individuals of this crow species.

In addition, Christian Rutz, together with several colleagues, investigated the ecological context and the morphological and cognitive prerequisites and adaptations in the evolution of tool use. These studies (Rutz & St. Clair 2012, Behav. Processes; Troscianko et al. 2012, *Nature Communications*, von Bayern et al. 2009, *Current Biology*) underscore the laureate’s holistic approach and his ability to advance the field-based study of highly complex behaviors using state-of-the-art methods and the teamwork required today.