 However, in 2008, an investigation of self-recognition in corvids was conducted revealing the ability of self-recognition in the magpie.Mammals and birds inherited the same brain components from their last common ancestor nearly 300 million years ago, and have since independently evolved and formed significantly different brain types.The results of the mirror test showed that although magpies do not have a neocortex, they are capable of understanding that a mirror image belongs to their own body.