Why crows are one of the most misunderstood birds out there

By Angela Garrity, Guest blogger

Corvids are misunderstood birds that have mystified people for centuries. The glossy black birds known commonly as crows and ravens get the brunt end over untrue associations that are nested in myths, legends, Hollywood and horror.

Often represented as mystical, these noisy birds exhibit strange behaviors not seen by other bird species that likely aided in them earning their bad reputation. Causing damage to property, harming crops, strewing trash and transferring disease isn’t exactly ideal traits of corvids, but these birds are fascinating creatures when it comes to their brilliant minds. 

Crows are among the few animals that exhibit a social response to a dead member of their species, so all that cackling is for a reason. Crow funerals aren’t so much about mourning their fallen friends, as they are about learning from their mistakes, according to Mental Floss.

In an article by Science Alert, they dove into thirteen reason why crows and ravens are the smartest birds and some of these examples are truly remarkable. The birds have the ability to reason out cause and effect, talking solving puzzles and playing.

These birds are fiercely independent and do what they want. Sometimes, that stubbornness and love of playing pranks even resonates onto humans and comes in the form of gifts and gags.

Wild Child shared the story of an eight-year-old Seattle girl who started feeding crows in her family’s garden. Now, this flock reciprocates her generosity of sharing her food in the form of giving her small tokens of appreciation such as Lego pieces, beads, buttons, paper clips and pieces of foam.

These gifts from the murder are not always pleasant, as the girl once received a rotting crab claw. They can’t all be winners, right?

Corvids love to play pranks on humans and other animals aren’t safe either. Corvids use their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds for their own personal amusement. 

Corvids have adapted well to living amongst humans, and for many, this is their new norm.

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