Some birds are more colorful. Some have more beautiful songs. But the big, black crow with its loud caw! caw! is one of the smartest birds—and a very interesting one, too.
This fall, can you spot some clever crows in action? On the list below, check off any of the things you spy crows doing.
I SPY CROWS. . .
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HANGING OUT WITH OTHERS OF THEIR KIND.
Crows are very social, and it’s rare to see one alone. When you see a group, it’s often a family.
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LIVING IN MANY PLACES.
You might spot crows in a forest, on a roadside, in a field, along a shore, or in the middle of town.
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EATING LOTS OF DIFFERENT FOODS.
Crows dine on worms and insects, fruit, seeds, grains, corn, eggs, baby birds, and even roadkill.
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KEEPING WATCH.
Groups of crows often feed together on the ground. One crow may perch above, cawing out a warning if there’s danger.
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TEAMING UP TO SCARE PREDATOR BIRDS.
A group of crows may dive at and chase a hawk or owl (called mobbing) until it leaves the area.
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GATHERING BY THE THOUSANDS.
In fall and winter, huge flocks of crows get together to roost for the night.
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TALKING A LOT.
Crows make many sounds, from caws to rattles and clicks. Sometimes they may imitate other things, including dogs, cats, and even machines.
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BEING BIRD-BRAINY.
Crows are clever problem-solvers, especially when it comes to getting food. For example, some drop nuts in front of car tires when a traffic light turns red. When the light turns green, the cars run over the nuts, cracking them open. At the next red light, the crows fly down to snatch their snack.
Ready? Caw-caw-come on! Go on out and get to know your local crows!