Clever Crows and Crafty Ravens: The Hidden Lives of Corvid

We’re in a time of transition. Across the moraine, trees are beginning to take on their autumn hues, and the soundscape has shifted from the buzzing of cicadas to the honking of Canada geese overhead. As many migratory birds head south to their warmer wintering grounds, you may notice other species filling the quiet they leave behind. Among the most vocal are the cawing crows and croaking ravens.

American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Common Ravens (Corvus corax) are both members of the corvid family, which also includes Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata). In October, crows and ravens seem to pop up across the moraine, and it has nothing to do with the fact that they choose to tough out the cold Ontario winter, rather than migrate to warmer climates. They have become icons of the Halloween season, appearing in decorations and featuring prominently in spooky folklore and popular culture. However, their story goes far beyond these associations!

A silhouetted Common Raven

Corvids are renowned for their intelligence, and numerous scientific studies have demonstrated their impressive learning and problem-solving abilities. They are highly social birds that learn from one another through observation, sharing knowledge about food sources and even mimicking vocalizations. 

When foraging, corvids often work together. They may distract another animal from a food source, creating an opportunity to steal a meal. They also cache food for later, storing it away for times when resources are scarce. Their excellent memories allow them to return to these hidden food stores. 

American Crow

Both crows and ravens have even been observed using tools, including shaping sticks and using them to probe holes in wood in search of insects and other food.

Thanks to the diversity of habitats protected by the ORMLT, crows, ravens, and many other overwintering birds can find the food, shelter, and resources they need to make it through Halloween and the colder months beyond.