The American crow (or Ka’qawej in Mi’kmaq, from the verb form ‘Ka’qaqujui’sit’ meaning “to croak” or “to caw”) is one of the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. These little geniuses can use tools, solve puzzles and even recognize human faces. They can remember people who have treated them well (or poorly) for years. They also pass down knowledge across generations, a phenomenon known as cultural transmission, so don’t mess with crows or they could harass you for the rest of your life!
When one of their own dies, other crows gather around the body in what looks like a funeral. Scientists believe this ritual helps them learn about potential dangers and predators, improving their chances of survival.
They’re not quite at parrot level, but crows can imitate human speech, car alarms and other bird species.
Young crows observe and learn complex social hierarchies, alarm calls, and food-sharing behaviors from experienced members of their group. This knowledge helps them navigate crow society and learn the fine art of avoiding conflict.
Crows live in tight-knit family groups, often staying with their parents for several years before becoming fully independent. In these groups, young crows observe how older members interact, learning who holds dominance, how to show submission and when to challenge for a higher rank.
Crows may be common, but these brilliant birds deserve the same awe and respect as the rarest, most dazzling birds in our region.
