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Bold,
mysterious, mischievous, noisy, and elusive, they are the “bad boys” of
the bird world. Found almost worldwide, they are among the largest and
most intelligent songbirds. Jays, magpies, ravens and the common crow
are included in the crow family. Regardless of their reputation, crows
will add beauty and activity to your backyard habitat.
The
common crow is the subject of this article. One might wonder why anyone
would be interested in the common crow. Robber of other bird’s nests and
foe to farmers, scavenger along the highway, this old bird’s reputation
precedes itself. According to some experts, crows have been around for
twelve million years. It is about time something positive be written
about these majestic birds.
Crows are wary birds and are easily frightened. Often observed high
in the trees around neighborhoods, calls are heard but birds are rarely
seen at backyard feeders. They can be coaxed to platform feeders stocked
with sunflower seeds, shelled corn, and peanuts in the shell. Scraps of
bread and stale bakery products are also welcomed. As they become
regular visitors, they may become quite tame. Crows make no attempt to
intimidate or otherwise harm other feeder birds.
Common crows are actually black from tip of bill to tip of tail and
that includes their feet. Plumage on these birds appears to be the same
making their sex undeterminable. They are truly magnificent birds in
flight, and amusing to watch as they amble along on the ground. Make no
mistake; they are well aware of their surroundings and what is going on.
The voice of the crow is the familiar caw-caw-caw. You will here this
if the crows arrive and find the feeder empty. They are quick to learn
where the food is coming from. Don’t be surprised if you hear strange
sounds occasionally. Splitting a crow’s tongue so it can talk is a myth,
but crows are great mimics and have been know to imitate the human
voice.
Half
of the enjoyment of observing different birds, is trying to understand
their behaviors. Do some research on their body language and variations
in their calls. You will have a better understanding of what is going on
and why.
Crows eat insects and are ecologically important to the environment.
Please invite them into you habitat.
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