Corvus, or commonly known as crows, are a gene pool of birds that include a variety of species. These birds are not only renowned for their physical variances ranging from the small jackdaws to the thick billed ravens, but are also one of the world’s most intelligent animals. Collectively referred to as a ‘flock’ or ’murder’, these widely disregarded species must not be judged by their appearances.
Fun Facts about How Crows Evolved:
The Corvus genus members were possibly evolved in Asia after which they spread out to the areas of Africa, Europe, North America and Australia. The last known evidence that proves evolution indicated towards a descent within Corvidae, the Australasian family. The name Corvus was originally derived from Latin roots that mean raven.
Pin pointing the exact gene pool is not possible due to the unsystematic approach, making it tough to determine exact lineages as well. However, in most cases it was found that species from the same geographical area had similarities as compared to others.
However, the actual range of characteristics displayed can be quite different. Fossil records show a dense presence of crows in the European region although the variants and relations are still unclear.
As the globe saw increased activity in agriculture and urbanisation, the crows spread over to other parts and a drastic increase in their population was noted.
Interesting Facts on how Crows Behave:
Crows are known for their communal roosting pattern. During the months that aren’t breeding season, the gather in large groups ranging from 200 to a couple of thousands, generally near a large source of food such as shopping malls or garbage dumps.
They are also a species that indulge in play, an essential factor for development of intelligence.
Crows are known to be extremely vocal and expressive.
They can also be responsive to a variety of other species, a skill assumed to be developed due to geographical differences.
They adapt and imitate other birds over time, to blend in with the surroundings.
How intelligent are Crows?
Crows may just be one of the smartest species of birds. Not only do these birds score well in tests, some have even been known to top the avian IQscale.
Certain species have developed fishing skills by using bread crumbs as bait, while others are known for their mid air jousting techniques to establish a pecking order.
Their uncanny abilities also include indulging in sport activities, using tools, storing food supplies for harsh seasons, an ability to remember faces and such other impressive skills. Crafting their own tools and devices by plucking and bending smooth twigs and grass stems, certain species were observed to search for food in this manner.
It was also found that they could develop the skills to flip a poisonous toad on its back to gain access to the thinner skin region from where it would violently stab them before removing their innards. They are also one of the few species that can identify and differentiate between individual human features and faces, as well as are capable of distinguishing between the now and the then.
Their aptitude to relay events means they are able to pass on experiences and stories to other crows’ even generations down the line, similar to human history.
Insights into a Crow’s Diet:
Being omnivorous creatures, their diet consists of a variety of food. From consuming fruits, nuts and earthworms to feeding on other eggs and birds, they are known to eat almost anything.
Although crows would feed on insects attracted to crop fields their habit of attacking the crops and feeding on them as well led to farmers placing scarecrows around the fields to protect them.
Facts about how Crow’s Reproduce:
Crows reach the age of sexual maturity between the ages of three and five years.
They can lay about three to nine eggs at a time and nest for a time period between twenty days to forty days.
Since they are busy with other activities such as hunting, crows from previous births learn to take care of the new ones and protect the interests of the nest. The oldest known crow was documented to have lived a life of 59 years in captivity with another of 30 years in the wild.
However, an average crow’s life is of 20 years. Just like humans, they are also susceptible to diseases such as the grave west Nile virus.
Facts on Conservation Efforts of the Species:
The Hawaiian crow and the Mariana crow have been declared as endangered.
Since crows are intelligent and can develop various survival skills, they often got in the way of human activities.
Destruction of crop, dirtying properties and spreading diseases led to them being regarded as nuisance creating birds. Controlling them is often tough leading to humans turning to methods such as hunting, immobilization with the help of chemicals and scare tactics to keep them away.
Facts about Crows and their Food Chain Positions:
Crows have played an array of roles in the food chain. Not only are they known to prey on certain animals and birds themselves, but they have also been food for humans.
Certain tribes of the Baltic and fishermen used crow meat as a food supplement for harsher times.
The versatile and diverse crows may be a lot of things, but they definitely are not weak or dull. With the ability to develop essential survival skills, adapt to the changing scenario and protect their own interests, they are some of the smartest birds known today.
