8 Clever Facts About Crows and Ravens, What’s the Difference?

If you've ever found yourself marveling at the mysterious world of crows and ravens, you're in for a treat. As a wildlife biologist, I have spent countless hours observing these remarkable corvids.

I'm excited to share with you eight clever facts that will deepen your appreciation for these intelligent and intriguing birds.

The Corvid Family

The corvid family is a fascinating group that includes crows, ravens, and magpies, each with its own unique characteristics. 

Fun Fact: “A murder of crows” is the actual definition of a flock of crows, and “an unkindness of ravens” is the accepted vernacular for describing a flock of ravens.

Spotting the Differences

Ever wondered how to tell crows and ravens apart? There are some subtle but distinctive features to look for. 

• Crows are generally smaller, with a fan-shaped tail and a more compact silhouette.
• Ravens, on the flip side, have larger bills, wedge-shaped tails, and a grander wingspan.
• Crows often move in groups – for instance, a murder of crows expertly navigating the urban landscape.
• Ravens, on the other hand, often grace the skies alone or in pairs.

Problem-Solving Wonders

These birds are no feather-brains! Studies have shown that they possess remarkable problem-solving skills. 

Research by Emery and Clayton showed that scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), another member of the corvid family, will pilfer another jay's food caches and move their own caches to a new location, but only when they had been observed storing their food by another jay.

Tool Use in the Wild

Speaking of problem-solving, both crows and ravens exhibit tool use in the wild. From crafting hooks out of twigs to using cars to crack open tough nuts, these birds are the MacGyvers of the avian world. 

A study in Hawaii on the Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis, presented the birds with sticks and naturalistic extraction tasks and found that they are indeed very dexterous tool users: 93% of all adults and 47% of the younger birds spontaneously used sticks to probe for hidden food. (Science.org)

Social Behavior

Crows and ravens are thrive in social communities. Crows often form tight-knit family groups, and ravens engage in playful antics with their fellow companions.

It's heartwarming to witness the camaraderie among these birds. Once, I observed an unkindness of ravens working together to drive away a larger predator from their nesting area. Teamwork truly makes the dream work in the corvid world!

Communication

The vocalizations of crows and ravens add another layer of fascination. Crows are known for their varied caws and calls, while ravens produce deep, resonant croaks. 

Myths, Folklore, and Literature

Crows and ravens have woven themselves into the tapestry of human culture. From Native American myths to Edgar Allan Poe's iconic poem, “The Raven,” these birds have symbolized everything from wisdom and trickery to mystery. 

As a child, I was captivated by stories of ravens as messengers in Norse mythology. Little did I know that my fascination would turn into a lifelong passion for studying these incredible birds.

Conservation Challenges

Despite their remarkable adaptability, crows and ravens face conservation challenges. When humans became largely agrarian, crows became our competitors—stealing food and raiding crops—and had to be scared off by “scarecrows.” (NCBI)

A complicated relationship began with corvids, leaving opinions extremely polarized. Loss of habitat and climate change have had serious deleterious effects on a large number and variety of birds over the past few decades; over 50 species have shown a 45% or more loss in their populations, and there has been a 30% decline in the number of birds overall in the last 30 years. (Ornithology.com)

A Flight of Fascinating Facts

So there you have it – 8 clever facts about crows and ravens that showcase the incredible world of corvids. From their diverse physical features to their problem-solving prowess, these birds never cease to amaze. As you venture into the world of avian fascination, remember to look up and appreciate the clever corvids gracing the skies above. Happy birdwatching!

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