Enemies Of Crows

Crows are a common sight in many parts of the world. However, most of us don’t realize that these distinctive jet-black birds face a range of threats even when they are in our own backyards. The following are the main enemies of crows.

Natural Predators of Crows

One of the biggest dangers that crows face are natural predators. These are animals that have evolved to hunt and kill crows as part of their diet. Some of the most common crow predators include:

Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons 

Birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and falcons are known for their sharp talons and keen eyesight making them formidable crow hunters. The peregrine falcon in particular is an expert bird hunter that often strikes and kills its prey in flight.

Owls

Nocturnal hunters like owls are an especially big threat to crows. Crows may be caught off guard by these silent nighttime hunters while roosting at night. And it is believed that one of the reasons crows roost in large numbers during the fall and winter months is for added protection against predation from owls.

Ravens

Ravens are often mistaken for crows. While they are closely related and look similar, ravens are bigger and stronger than their smaller crow cousins. They are one of the crows’ natural enemies as they raid crow nests, eating their eggs and young. Crows themselves are nest predators and are in turn a threat to the nests of ravens (and other birds of course).

Coyotes and Foxes

While it’s not a common occurrence every once in a while a coyote or fox may get lucky and surprise a crow on the ground. Or come across an injured crow. However, crows are incredibly wary birds and have the advantage of flight.

Snakes

Snakes are mainly a threat to a crow’s young. Tree-climbing snakes like rat snakes and black racers will climb up to nests eating any eggs or nestlings they find.

Human Threats to Crows

Humans are one of the most dangerous of all crow enemies since we are both a threat directly and indirectly. Some of the most common human threats are:

Hunting and Trapping

In many places, crows are considered to be a pest bird species. Hunting and trapping are used as a direct way to control their numbers and lessen any negative impact they may have on crops or the surrounding environment.

Poisoning

Crows are notorious for eating just about anything. And this can lead to them being poisoned. For example, if they consume foods that have been exposed to pesticides like crops or insects. Crows may also eat dead animals such as rodents that have been poisoned themselves which can be fatal. Contaminated water, pollution, and pesticides sprayed in their habitat can also be deadly for crows.

Habitat Destruction

Like almost all other animal species on the planet, crows can be negatively impacted by habitat loss. This makes it not only harder for them to find food but also a territory where they can mate and safely raise their young.

Vehicle Collisions

One of the most overlooked enemies of crows are actually vehicles. Crows are smart birds and they will regularly fly along roads looking for easy meals such as roadkill and trash. However, when they are occupied by eating or there is limited visibility they may not have time to take off in time to avoid oncoming vehicles and are killed or seriously injured.

How Have Crows Adapted To These Threats? 

Crows are well-known for being extremely adaptable. And despite all of these threats, they have evolved a range of behaviors to help them deal with their enemies and stay alive as long as possible. For example:

Group Defense

Crows live in family groups. And when there is a potential threat the entire group may attack. They are known for mobbing, divebombing, calling loudly, and even physically attacking to drive their enemies away. Crows can be particularly aggressive during the nesting season and may even attack humans.

Nest Placement

To make things harder for predators, crows are selective about where they build their nests. They like locations that are high up and difficult for predators to reach. Utility poles and tree tops are particular favorites.

Food Caching

Crows hide their extra food for times when resources are scarce. However, they don’t put it all in one spot. That would make it easier for them to be ambushed once a predator realized where their cache was. And also for competitors to steal it all at once. So instead they hide their food in a range of different locations.

Vocalizations and Alarm Calls

As anyone who has experienced crows knows, they can be very loud. These birds have a range of calls they use to communicate information with each other including danger. In fact, they will place sentinels high up above them to keep watch while the rest of the group is feeding on the ground. And when any enemies of crows are spotted the sentinel can sound the alarm and the feeding crows can quickly escape.

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