Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing crows. There is no one defined taxonomic group
of birds known as crows. Most crows, however, are classified in the Corvus genus along with ravens
and rooks. As we previously discussed in our raven episode, crows and ravens aren't scientifically
separated, but generally can be told apart by their size and their tail shape: ravens
are larger than crows, ravens have a thicker beak, and ravens have a diamond-shaped tail while crows
have a fan-shaped tail. Rooks can be told apart by the pale base of their bill, at least in adults.
Overall, everything discussed in this video applies to the Corvus genus as a whole!
There are about 40 living species of birds commonly known as crows that are classified
in this genus. These birds range around the world though they aren't found in southern
South America or New Zealand; rooks live in New Zealand. Crows are omnivores and eat just
about anything from berries, nuts, and fruit, to small animals, other birds, and carrion.
They're often viewed as pests to crops, hence the invention of scarecrows, but studies indicate that
crows are actually more beneficial than harmful because, though they do consume crops, they eat
more crop pest insects than the crops themselves. Like tits, crows store food to eat later.
These birds live just about anywhere they can gather food, though they aren't often seen in
dense, wet forests. Some species migrate to warmer areas during the coldest parts of the year,
but others gather in massive flocks that can number in the tens of thousands. These
flocks are believed to help keep the birds warm and safe from predators!
Crows are often described as black, but this is just a surface examination. In light,
their feathers appear iridescent giving off various hues.
Their young also have blue tinted eyes that darken as they age. And some crows have errant
white feathers. We've even seen one that looked all patchy with white and black. Male and female
crows are typically identical to each other, though sometimes males are slightly larger. These
birds can reach wingspans of about three feet (1m) which is smaller than the largest ravens.
Though they eat on the ground, crows roost in trees. They often live in family groups that
consist of a breeding pair and their offspring. Young crows remain in their parent's territory,
sometimes for years, and help raise their younger siblings. Crow pairs often remain together through
subsequent breeding seasons. Nests are built in trees, but these birds will utilize abandoned
buildings, billboards, rock crevices, telephone poles, and other high places to raise their young.
About five green colored eggs are laid and incubated for three weeks. The babies take
a month to develop before leaving the nest. Crows have been recorded reaching 10 years
old in the wild, though they're known to double this if they can avoid predators.
Predators to crows include owls, hawks, snakes, and small mammals including domestic cats. Crows,
however, have tight-knit families and they'll mob a predator threatening their kin. This behavior is
often accompanied with loud squawks. Here are some examples of crow vocalizations: (audio).
These birds are so intelligent, they can mimic human speech.
They also use sticks as tools to gather food from small holes and crevices.
Another fascinating crow behavior is known as anting. They'll sit on an ant hill and let the
angry insects swarm them. Then they'll run the ants into their feathers and skin which coats
them in the ant's secretions. This is believed to help crows keep themselves free of parasites!
For more facts on crows, check out the links below. Give a thumbs up if
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