Crows are incredibly smart and adaptive creatures. They have a unique way of interacting with humans that can range from fascinating friendships to some rather inconvenient behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of how they behave around us.
1. Crows Don’t Forget a Face
They are smart birds who can recognize individual human faces and remember them for years. Crows don’t just remember the people they saw; they also remember the interaction. If you’re a friend of the crow community who feeds them, expect them to greet you with curiosity.
2. They Can Hold Grudges
If you’ve ever had a negative interaction with a crow—accidentally disturbing a nest or having an unfortunate encounter—they may hold a grudge. Crows have been known to recall people who pose a threat to them, and they can pass that memory down through generations.
3. Crows Can Recognize Emotions
A 2016 study by Animal Behavior found that crows can recognize not only human faces but also our emotions. If they’ve seen you happy or upset in the past, they might look at your face and understand how you’re feeling now. Moreover, a crow can adjust its behavior accordingly.
4. They Can Steal From You
Crows are opportunistic feeders and quick to snatch anything they see as valuable—food, shiny objects, or unattended items. In an area with many crows, if a shiny trinket mysteriously disappears, it might have been a crow with a love for new “treasures.”
5. Crows Might Follow You for Food
Feeders would know that crows will show up repeatedly at the same time, hoping for more. These birds have a remarkable memory for food sources, and some crows will even wait outside your house to keep an eye on you until you offer a treat.
6. Some Can Mimic Your Voice
It’s rare, but some crows can mimic human speech. They may use it to engage or get attention. If you hear a crow repeating sounds that seem familiar, it could be mimicking your voice, especially if that crow has learned that you respond to certain noises.
7. They’re Demanding
Crows are social birds that form tight-knit groups. Once they bond with you, they may expect regular food offerings, which can become demanding. Think of loud calls or following you around, mostly when they’ve gotten used to receiving food regularly.
8. Crows Are Pranksters
Some of these birds engage in playful behavior with humans, like dropping twigs or objects near people to watch their reactions. Isn’t it cute? They may even “steal” an item from you and then taunt you by flying just out of reach—just adorable!
9. They Can Manipulate You
Did you know crows are famous for their problem-solving abilities? Crows like to use tools to manipulate humans into giving them treats. One clever crow might, for example, leave an object as a “gift” in exchange for food if it knows that you will reciprocate.
10. Crows Can Be Aggressive
During the breeding season, crows become fiercely protective of their nests. These birds may not hesitate to dive-bomb humans who get too close to their young. These encounters can be startling—and even dangerous—as crows swoop down from great heights at impressive speeds!
11. They Are Curious But Distrusting
Despite their intelligence, crows are wary observers. They’ll watch you from a distance, weighing your actions before deciding to approach. Curiosity might draw them in, but the slightest hint of danger will send them retreating.
12. Crows Are Not Afraid to Challenge Humans
Crows confidently assert themselves around humans and larger animals. If they feel cornered or threatened, they may dive-bomb or make loud, intimidating calls. Their size and sharp beaks give them the tools to defend themselves and pose a real challenge.
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