Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) pictured with the novel object used in the testing. (Jimena Lois-Milevicich via SWNS) By Talker

By Stephen Beech

Some birds are naturally "chicken" - scared of anything new, reveals new research.

Flamingos are among the most wary species, while falcons and pheasants are the least intimidated, say scientists.

The largest-ever study of neophobia - the fear of novelty - has discovered the key reasons why some birds are more fearful of new things than others.

The findings, published in the journal PLOS Biology , suggest that diet and migratory habits help shape neophobia in different species.

The global study was led by Dr. Rachael Miller while at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Cambridge .

The study involv

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