Many of us have seen crows in a large group poking around the grass. You may have never stopped to think about them, or perhaps you find yourself a little afraid of them. After all, crows are infamous for signifying some sort of bad omen. However, there is more to these birds than you may think.
Crows, are actually the second most intelligent birds on the planet, behind ravens. They have the ability to recognize individuals and have a great memory. Studies have revealed they can learn to use tools and can even learn to talk!
Yes, crows can learn to talk. In fact, the Salisbury Zoological Center has a rescue crow who loves people and seems to enjoy the look on people’s faces when he surprises them with a “hello!”. Since crows can recognize individuals, it is possible to establish a relationship with them. I don’t know about you, but to me, that sounds like anything but a bad omen.
Crows are just one example of how animals are constantly proving to be more intelligent than originally believed, not less. The ‘small’ size of bird brains initially led scientists to believe they were primitive and did not have the capacity for intelligence beyond instinct. However, further research has revealed that crows, and other birds, use their limited brain space wisely and fill it with experiential knowledge.
Animals hold intelligence in a variety of ways, even if it is different than humans. The vast intelligence of crows, even on a human scale, points to the need for humans to treat animals with respect. The exploitation of animal for human pleasure is often rooted in the belief that humans are superior to animals. Although we may be different, animals have their own intelligence, capacity to suffer, and desire to live.
By pushing through societal norms and educating ourselves about the vast intelligence of animals, we can begin to repair our relationship with them. Next time you pass by a crow, let them serve as a reminder to treat our fellow animals with respect. If you want to learn more about the problems with animal exploitation check out the documentary Earthlings on YouTube.