Larry Fortin

Crows and ravens, are they alike? The raven is larger. Crows are often referred to as flying monkeys because like monkeys, they are able to learn, remember and use insight to solve natural problems. As other animals that have survived, the crow has adapted to changes. The raven has not, and has retreated to the far north, away from humans. Humans have slaughtered, poisoned and made the crow the object of organized hunts. Still they have flourished. Sportive, audacious, triumphant, the crow remains among the most widespread of American birds.

The crow is a little smaller than the raven and a little smarter. Crows are very abundant in the Lakes Region. Until recently, there was no closed season on them. These resilient birds have adapted big time. From forests to farm lands, then to suburbs and city parks, they’ve learned that in the suburbs and parks they’re not shot at as in the farmlands.

Resourceful and mischievous, the American crow is among the most intelligent of birds. In the wild, they can live to 10 years old. They are black for a very good reason. This is for identification of their own kind. Black is very visible during the day. At night, black helps to protect them from predators, black is not easily seen at night. They are very social in nature. Interaction with their own kind is extremely important to them. Male crows will “court” their desired female. Once mated, crows usually mate for life. Not only will crows defend and protect their own family, they will come to the aid of unrelated crows in need or distress. Both crow parents take turns sitting on the eggs, and all family members help in the care of the brood.

Crows have extremely good memories. It never forgets, especially when it comes to something to be feared, or where they’ve placed food for later consumption. Owls and hawks are two of the crow’s enemies. They will often gather together and mob an owl or a hawk. Hunters will use a stuffed owl as a decoy to lure crows into shooting range. They usually travel 2 or 3 together. They must have a different caw for food at hand or danger. Every crow within hearing distance will answer certain calls.

My own experience with crows has been varied. Often, while being camouflaged and in a tree stand, they would spot me and caw to alert any animal in the area. The urge to kill was there, but a bow against a crow, very unlikely. When I was building on Long Island in New York, they would arrive at daybreak and go through the lunch bags the workers had left the day before. One year there were two crows that had a lot of white that hit the building under construction every morning. The white didn’t really show until they were flying. I only saw them one year, have no idea what happened to them.

It’s uncanny how crows have adapted, which certainly proves their intelligence. It’s not to everyone’s tastes, but I know someone who hunts them and eats them. It probably doesn’t taste like chicken, but why wouldn’t they be all right. They can also be a pain in the neck, the way they dig into garbage bags and trash bags. They certainly haven’t made friends with me. They peck at my fruit on my trees, and spoil more than they eat. They will make a mess of a corn field. I know someone else who will shoot a couple and hang them in their corn to discourage others. I think there are times when they are too smart for their own good.