Crows are commonly seen, and heard, in close proximity to us in our towns and cities. But are crows friendly? The answer may surprise you.
Crows Are Highly Social Birds
Crows are social birds that live in family groups. And they are well known for forming close bonds with the other members of their flock. In fact, crows mate for life and the bond with their partner is particularly close. Crow pairs can often be seen affectionately grooming each other, an act that actually reinforces the strength of their bond.
Young grows are also attached and friendly to the crows in their flock. Unlike most other types of birds which leave their parents or are chased away by them at an early age, young crows often stick with their parents and group for several years after being born. And they will even help to take care of their parent’s offspring.
During the fall and winter months, individual family groups will come together and sleep in roosts at night. These roosts have in some cases been made up of millions of crows. Roosts offer protection from nighttime predators but also are used to socialize. They will socialize with crows from other groups and amazingly can exchange information about food sources and potential predators.
Crows Can Become Quite Tame
So, are crows friendly with people? It turns out that crows can be quite friendly, or at least become comfortable being around people. Crows can become quite tame particularly when they realize that you aren’t a threat and may provide them with food.
For this reason, many backyard birders specifically feed crows. And you can attract crows to your yard using various foods such as peanuts. However, crows are intelligent birds and are very wary so it may take time for you to attract them, associate you with food, and finally gain their trust.
In fact, there are many stories of people who have befriended individual crows by feeding them and even give them names. In some cases, crows have been known to bring gifts to their human friends, such as shiny objects or small trinkets.
However, these situations are most likely the result of crows accidentally leaving objects behind and then realizing that they are being rewarded with more food for this behavior by the excited humans. Food after all can be an amazing motivator.
Crows Will Attack
While crows are “friendly,” in certain situations, this is not always the case. Like any wild animal, crows can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their territory is invaded. And while during the fall and winter when roosting they may be friendly to crows from other groups. during the rest of the year, they aren’t.
Crows are well-known for being especially territorial during the nesting season. They may attack humans, other crows, birds, or other animals perceived as threats to their nests or food sources. And they often will mob or dive bomb them in an attempt to scare them off.
Crows Can Hold A Grudge
Crows can remember faces. And these birds will act very differently around people that they trust and people they don’t. Crows have actually been known to “get even,” with individuals that have tried to harm them in the past. For example, crows may attack those specific people on future occasions whenever they see them. So if you plan on trying to befriend them, be sure that you are as crow-friendly as possible when interacting with them.
They Don’t Make Good Pets
While crows are friendly in certain situations and super smart, crows don’t make good pets. They are incredibly loud, mischievous, and require a large space. And because they are so social, mentally they do need to be surrounded by their family group and interact with them constantly in order to thrive in all areas of their life.
Conclusion
So, are crows friendly? The answer is both yes and no. It depends on the situation and even the time of year. While they can form friendly relationships with us they are still wild animals and deserve our respect. And if you’re not respectful they most likely will remember!
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
Eagle Facts
Eagles are big and powerful built birds of prey. There are many amazing things you’ll want to know about these truly spectacular birds. So here are some of the most interesting eagle facts. The Steller’s Sea Eagle Is The Largest Eagle Species In The World The...
Birds That Look Like Cassowaries
Cassowaries are big flightless birds native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. These wary critters are well-known for their brightly-colored heads which have a casque or “helmet,” on top. However, despite their unique looks, they are often confused with...
Birds That Look Like Rheas
Rheas are large flightless birds native to South America. These big grayish-brown birds are well-known for their long necks and for using their wings to help them balance and change direction when running. However, they are often confused with several other types of...
Birds That Look Like Emus
Emus are large, brown, flightless birds that are only found in Australia. These Australian icons are well-known for their size and unique looks. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar appearance. So here’s a list of...
Birds That Look Like Ostriches
Ostriches are flightless birds with bare necks and heads. They are well-known for their ability to run at high speeds but also because they’re the largest species in the world. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar...
Black Vulture Pictures
Black vultures aren’t typically thought of in a positive light. However, these important birds help to keep the environment free of disease and harmful bacteria by feeding on the remains of dead animals. But there are many more interesting things about them as well....
Coyote Facts
The coyote is a wild canine found in North America that’s typically about the size of a medium-sized dog. There are many things you’ll want to know about this wily species that’s famous for its intelligence. So here are some of the most interesting coyote facts. The...
Turkey Vulture Facts
The turkey vulture, also known as the turkey buzzard, is a bird of prey with a unique red head. There are many interesting things you’ll want to know about this commonly seen vulture species. So here are the most amazing turkey vulture facts. The Turkey Vulture Has An...
Turkey Vulture Pictures
The turkey vulture is a widespread and distinct-looking bird of prey. And there are many more amazing things about this special species. So we’ve collected some of the best turkey vulture pictures to show you just how unique they are. Turkey Vultures Sunning To warm...
Vulture Facts
Vultures may not be known for their good looks however they do play an incredibly important role in the food chain and when it comes to preventing disease. There are many other interesting things you’ll want to know about these often misunderstood birds as well. So...
Vulture Pictures
Vultures are birds of prey that play a vital role in the natural balance. These flying scavengers help to keep the environment clean and free of diseases. And there are many more interesting things about them. So we’ve collected some of the best vulture...
Black Vulture Facts
The black vulture is a large bird of prey. It ranges from the Mid-Atlantic States in the U.S. all the way down through Central and most of South America. This widespread species has many interesting things about it. So here are the top black vulture facts. The Black...
Crow Facts
Crows are a group of birds that belong to the family Corvidae. They are known for their extremely high intelligence and sometimes mischievous behavior. They are fascinating animals and here are some of the most amazing crow facts. Crows Roost In Large Numbers Crows...
Owl Facts
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey. These birds are known for their large eyes and ability to fly almost in total silence. But there are many other interesting things about them as well. Here are some of the most amazing owl facts. The Biggest Owl In The World According...
Alligator Facts
Squirrel Facts
Most people are familiar with squirrels. These bushy-tailed acrobats can often be seen right in your own backyard. So you’ll want to know some of these amazing squirrel facts! The Largest Squirrel Species In The World Is The Malabar Giant Squirrel This species is also...
Squirrel Pictures
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that live in a wide range of habitats and maybe even your own backyard. There are many fascinating things you’ll want to know about these critters. So we’ve compiled some of the best squirrel pictures to help show you just...
Owl Pictures
Owls are birds of prey that are mostly nocturnal. And there are many interesting things about these solitary and silent hunters. So we’ve collected some of the best owl pictures to show just how amazing they really are. Barn Owl The barn owl has the widest range of...
Swan Pictures
Swans are a large type of waterfowl that are well-known for their beauty. These birds are not only attractive but there are also many fascinating things about them as well. So we’ve compiled some of the best swan pictures to help show you just how amazing they are....
Goose Pictures
Geese are a group of waterfowl species that belong to the family Anatidae. Not only are they beautiful but there are many interesting things about them. We’ve compiled some of the best goose pictures to show you just how amazing these creatures are. Snow Goose The...