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What is Unique About Crows?

Things you might didn't know about crows...

By Heather WhitneyPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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There's something special about crows. They might not be as flashy as parrots or as cuddly as puppies, but they have a certain charm that makes them one of the most fascinating creatures on earth.

What is it about crows that make them so unique? Here are seven things you probably didn't know about these amazing birds.

Huge Brains

Crows are among the most intelligent birds on the planet. In fact, their brain-to-body ratio is higher than that of humans due to the fact that they have enormous brains! Crows also have a good memory for other crows.

So, crows have large brains... but what does this imply for them? For one thing, it means they're intelligent. Crows have been observed using tools, solving complex problems, and remembering human faces. They're also skilled communicators, employing a variety of vocalizations to communicate with one another.

So, what does all of this intelligence mean for crows in the wild? It means they can adapt to changing environments and thrive in a variety of habitats. It also means that they are less likely than other bird species to become extinct.

Ability To Make Tools

Crows are extremely intelligent birds and one of only four species that can make tools.

Crows, like humans, orangutans, and chimps, can make their own tools by sharpening forked twigs into hooks. These hooks are then used to scoop larvae and worms out of wood holes.

Crows are also known for their problem-solving abilities, having been observed using tools to open locked garbage cans and retrieve food.

Crows are clearly extremely resourceful birds, and their ability to make tools is just one example of their intelligence.

Different Dialect

If you've ever been startled awake by a crow's caw, you may have cursed the bird for its loud cry. What you may not realize is that the crow is actually communicating quite complexly.

Crows are members of the passerine family, which also includes sparrows, finches, and robins. Crows, like these other birds, can learn and imitate sounds. Crows, on the other hand, take this ability a step further by using it to create regional dialects.

Crow populations will develop their own distinct vocalization patterns based on the sounds they hear in their environment. Crows from different areas can have different "accents," just as people from different regions often have different accents.

For example, crows in the southern United States have been known to use a specific call to warn other crows about potential predators. In contrast, crows in the northern United States use a completely different set of calls to communicate with one another.

This is believed to be due to the fact that crows learn their calls from their parents and other members of their flock. As a result, crows from different areas can develop slightly different dialects. However, it's also possible for crows to learn new calls if they move to a new area.

Mate for Life

While crows are commonly associated with death, they also have a number of positive associations. They are seen as bringers of good luck in many cultures, and they are also known for their loyalty.

Crows, in fact, mate for life and frequently form strong bonds with their mates. Once a couple has bonded, they will be together for the rest of their lives. They will build a nest, raise their young, and defend their territory as a group. When one member of a pair dies, the other usually mourns for a while before finding a new mate.

As a result, crows are an uncommon example of lifelong dedication in the animal kingdom.

Great Memory

Crows are often seen as dark and foreboding, but there is much more to these intelligent birds than meets the eye.

One of the most fascinating things about crows is their ability to remember faces. In fact, they are so good at it that they can even hold grudges against people who have wronged them.

This was demonstrated in a famous study conducted by researcher John Marzluff. In the study, Marzluff and his team captured and released several crows. The team also wore masks while handling the birds, and the crows quickly learned to associate the masks with the capture and release.

After the study was over, the team members donned their masks once again and walked around campus. The crows reacted with pure excitement, dive-bombing and swooping at the masked individuals. It's safe to say that they had not forgotten what had happened.

So how do they do it? Scientists believe that crows have a sophisticated memory system that allows them to store and recall detailed information.

If you've ever wondered why that crow seems to be giving you dirty looks, there's a good chance it's because it actually does remember your face.

Hiding Food

If you've ever seen a crow drop a nut into a narrow crevice, only to fish it out moments later, you may have wondered why they go to all that trouble. After all, isn't it easier just to eat the nut right away?

As it turns out, crows are very savvy when it comes to food storage. By hiding their food, they protect it from thieves and ensure that they have something to eat in lean times.

For example, a crow might hide food in a tree hollow before going to sleep, in order to keep it safe from predators. Alternatively, a crow might bury food in the ground in order to keep it fresh for longer. Whatever the case may be, caching is an essential part of a crow's life, and it helps them to survive in even the most hostile environments.

What's more, recent studies have shown that crows are capable of remembering where they have hidden their food-a impressive feat of memory that any human shopper can appreciate.

Wrapping Up

Crows are one of the most adaptable and intelligent creatures on Earth. They can thrive in a variety of habitats and have learned to survive and even thrive in urban areas. As humans encroach more into their territory, crows are sure to continue to surprise us with their abilities.

Have you ever seen a crow up close? What was your impression?

Nature
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About the Creator

Heather Whitney

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  • Elijah Gonzalez2 years ago

    Thank you for sharing !!:)

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