<i>&quot;On the other hand, though, sponging suggests a level of cognitive sophistication that we&#x27;d previously reserved only for ourselves and our closest cousins.&quot;</i><p>There&#x27;s a certain arrogance to this. Only this week I watched a small bird throwing snails onto the ground to break and eat them. Why it was throwing was puzzling, as Black birds have sharp pointed beaks and could easily peck at the shell.