When a crow dies, other crows gather to investigate the death and learn about potential threats. According to research published in Animal Behaviour, crows will send out warning calls when they spot a dead crow, typically attracting 5-11 additional birds that mob together for 10-20 minutes while scolding loudly[1].
This behavior serves a critical survival purpose - the crows are actively trying to identify what killed their fellow crow and remember details to avoid the same fate. “If I were to find a dead person in the woods I might be feeling sad but I’d also be alarmed and likely looking for the cause of death to make sure I’m not next,” explains crow researcher Kaeli Swift[2].
The crows’ investigation can influence their future behavior. They will avoid areas previously associated with crow deaths and can learn to recognize specific humans they saw near dead crows as threats. In experimental studies, crows continued to scold and mob people they associated with dead crows even 6 weeks later, with 38% of crow pairs maintaining this response[3].
Corvids all do this. And they tell the others.
We had a problem for a few years with ravens punching holes in the tops of grain bags and letting rain and snow in. My cousin shot one from across the yard and threw the pieces on top of the bag. There was a raven funeral for about a day, and we haven’t had a raven pick a hole in a grain in the decade since.
I’ve seen the same thing happen with magpies when a cat gets one. The other magpies will gather to scream at the cat for a couple of days, but they’ll pack up and move after that.
I guess the 6 weeks is the duration of the study?
Because crows remember things like this for generations.
Crow War 1 and 2, lol.
I like how they always say, “it’s because they’re evolving for survival.” when crows are fucking smart. They have great memories and will surround the area for around an hour if your dog grabs one out of the air and kills it. Ask me how I know on that last one.
😆damn, what a badass dog is that?!
But, it is funny how crows seem to actively provoke dogs. May dog reacts to as well 🤪 but she has no chance getting them 🤣 I generally laugh with the crows over her.
She was badass until the crows were divebombing her. She got behind me, lol. We had a hill in the back yard that she could jump from a higher position. I don’t think the crows accounted for that when they were taunting each other.
Did you put your dog down?
No?
Why not?
They don’t sound like a cop.
My grandfather once shot a crow in sri lanka, back in the days; he had to hide inside because of the “crow police”.
No joke! Like 10 to 50 crows were coming and attacking, he told (I was not yet alive when it happened)
So if I’m trying to help a dying or dead crow I stumble upon, I may become Enemy #1 to the crows nearby?
Crap.
If you successfully rehabilitate the crow, you might become their king.
I could get behind this idea.
That’s why it’s called “a murder of crows” when a group of crows gather.
When I read of this research, I also read they had researchers wear a mask so they wouldn’t be marked for life.
It was a Trump mask, traded between workers depending on who had to upset the crows that day.
That’s oral history in my book. I wonder what the first equivalent of the Odyssey will be translated.
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🫢did not expect WEF in the sources.
Didn’t even know that they release articles 😆
