Our backwoods compost pile attracts crows each summer with vegetable scraps, husks and ears of corn, and eggshells worth investigating. One sentry lands on the edge of the box made of pallets while others perch overhead. Soon one flies down slowly to enter the box, the lookout muttering and repositioning. Some take turns to watch while others eat. I sense it is a mature and larger bird that feeds first. Others may return on their own or fly away impatient with waiting.
Intelligence is evaluated in many animal behavior labs throughout the country and world. The science of ethology helps scientists delve into understanding how animal and bird brains work. Known for their problem-solving skills, crows are also good communicators. Research shows crows don’ t forget a face. Frowning or pleasant Halloween masks worn by researchers reveal differences in crow behavior. Nervous perching while calling denotes an intruder. They’ ve been known to hold a grudge and caw madly at the researcher who trapped them.
The suspected destruction to agriculture by crows may be overstated. While they do attack corn and crops, they also may prevent damage by eating harmful insect pests. Stomach contents of crows living near crop fields reveal 60 – 90 % contain injurious bugs.
Years ago, my birder friend Dwight Chamberlain used a pet crow at nature programs at a state park where he worked. Dwight showed visitors the crow’ s ability to learn tricks: pull a string from a bottle for a reward and pick something from his pocket. A high perch gave the crow a commanding view. Its caws announced its presence. Other crows flew by for a look, and soon there was plenty of vocalizing. Dwight wore a toupee, and once during a program his pet crow landed on his head. Yep, you guessed it. The crow took off with the hairpiece and everyone, including Dwight, was surprised. But good natured and ever the educator, Dwight laughed along with the crowd.
Dwight’ s interest in avian education, and his lifelong love of birds of prey particularly, led to the staff at Hardy Lake Reservoir, near Scottsburg, Ind., naming the hospital for injured birds of prey the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center. The interpretive staff travels throughout the state with unreleasable birds of prey to schools and events. Dwight was pleased with the honor, commenting,“ It all started in my youth and my fascination with crows. There isn’ t a more intelligent bird.”
While my birder friend may insist on calling them a murder, he has some dissenters. Not all ornithologists agree with the title. Poets have been using the term since the 15 th century, alluding to the crow’ s traditional association with violent death and harsh, raucous cries.
It may be time to come up with a replacement. Some ornithologists see the term feeding the public a negative outlook.“ They aren’ t a gang of nasty villains. These birds are just birds!”
Watch for crows this winter, at the feeder, along roads, announcing their presence. We’ re better off living with and admiring these clever avian residents. •
Jan./ Feb. 2024 • Our Brown County 47