{
  "id": 17383495,
  "title": "Can animals lie? This sneaky bird might be proof.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/can-animals-lie-this-sneaky-bird-might-be-proof",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-31T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/animals/birds/can-animals-lie-this-sneaky-bird-might-be-proof"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the natural world, deception is far more common than many realize. The small African bird known as the fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) has emerged as a prime example of an animal that deliberately lies. This cunning bird possesses an extensive repertoire of false alarm calls, which it uses to manipulate the behavior of other animals. By mimicking the alarm calls of meerkats and other species, the drongo successfully tricks them into believing a perceived threat is present. This tactic allows the drongo to swoop in and steal the unsuspecting animal's food. The drongo's ability to rotate its false alarm calls ensures that its victims remain unaware of its deceit, enabling the bird to continue its fraudulent tactics unabated. This behavior highlights the intriguing question of whether animals can intentionally lie, much like humans do. However, the scientific community remains cautious in drawing definitive conclusions about animal deception. Researchers emphasize the need for objectivity in studying animal behavior, avoiding the projection of human-like emotions and qualities onto other species. Additionally, scientists are trained to avoid making absolute statements, often using phrases like \"the evidence suggests\" or \"the most parsimonious explanation.\" This cautious approach reflects the scientific method's emphasis on considering all possible explanations and excluding all but one until overwhelming evidence supports a single conclusion. Despite the growing body of evidence, the debate surrounding animal deception persists. While the fork-tailed drongo serves as a compelling case study, further research is needed to fully understand the extent and complexity of deceptive behaviors in the animal kingdom.",
  "summary": "In his new book, \"Liars, Cheats and Copycats,\" biologist James O'Hanlon surveys deception across the animal kingdom and asks whether any of it adds up to lying.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}