By: Mac Dawson, Nature Educator
Last week, driving home from Audubon Community Nature Center, my daughter and I were so captivated by a flock of crows that I had to pull over just to take it all in. The scene was incredible—thousands of crows crowded the neighborhood trees, their dark silhouettes watching us like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock film. They weren’t doing much besides cawing and interrupting one another, yet the sheer presence of so many wild creatures gathered in such mass was breathtaking. When I told my 9-year-old that a group of crows is called a murder, she eagerly spread the news, proudly telling everyone we had witnessed a murder on our way home. I see them regularly in Jamestown throughout the year; huge clouds of black birds swarming like they know something we don’t. Do they though?
Few birds capture the imagination and curiosity of humans like crows. With their glossy black feathers, sharp eyes, and unmistakable caws, crows have long been the subjects of folklore and fascination. In Western New York, the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a common sight, often perched high in trees or foraging in fields and suburban yards. These birds, known for their intelligence, adaptability, and complex social structures, play a vital role in the region’s ecosystems and cultural landscape.
Crows are among the most social birds in North America. They live in family groups and are known for their cooperative behavior. In Western New York, especially in the colder months, large communal roosts form in the thousands. These gatherings, often in urban or suburban areas, serve as places for rest and socialization.
Crows exhibit remarkable family loyalty. Young crows often stay with their parents for several years, helping to raise subsequent broods. This cooperative breeding strategy strengthens the family unit and ensures the survival of younger siblings. Observers may notice family groups feeding together, communicating through an impressive array of calls, clicks, and gestures.
Crows are not just social—they are also astonishingly intelligent. Scientists rank crows among the most intelligent animals, on par with great apes, wolves, and dolphins. Those who spend time observing these birds may notice their ability to solve problems, use tools, and even recognize individual human faces.
One particularly famous study showed that crows can distinguish between friendly and threatening humans. In urban areas where crows frequently interact with people, they may learn to recognize which residents are likely to toss them breadcrumbs and which are better avoided. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of environments, from rural farmlands to city parks.
As scavengers, crows are vital to the ecosystems of Western New York. They clean up carrion and other organic waste, helping to prevent the spread of disease. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small mammals, seeds, and even garbage, making them highly adaptable to changing food sources.
Crows have long been a part of human mythology, often associated with mystery, intelligence, and death. In some Native American traditions, crows are seen as messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. Their black plumage and piercing gaze give them an aura of the mystical, and their complex behaviors often seem almost human.
In areas where the seasons are sharply defined, crows can serve as harbingers of change. Their large winter roosts are a striking sight against the snowy landscape, while their springtime caws signal the return of longer days. Many locals enjoy watching their aerial acrobatics, particularly when they mob predators like hawks and owls to protect their territory.
Despite their adaptability, crows face challenges. West Nile Virus, which emerged in the United States in the late 1990s, has taken a toll on crow populations. The virus spreads through mosquito bites, and crows are particularly susceptible. In some areas, populations declined significantly after outbreaks, though numbers have since rebounded in many regions.
Habitat loss is another concern for our shadow-colored friends. As forests and wetlands are converted to agricultural or urban uses, crows must navigate an increasingly fragmented landscape. However, their intelligence and resourcefulness have allowed them to thrive in human-altered environments.
Crows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm or kill them without a permit. This protection ensures that these fascinating birds remain a part of the Western New York landscape for generations to come.
These crows are more than just black birds in the background—they are intelligent, resourceful, and deeply woven into the fabric of the region’s ecosystems and culture. By taking the time to observe and appreciate these remarkable birds, we can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within it.
So when you hear the sharp caw of a crow echoing through a forest, or see a flock silhouetted against the sunset, take a moment to marvel at these clever creatures. They are a reminder of nature’s resilience, adaptability, and enduring mystery.
Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature. ACNC is located just east of Route 62 between Warren and Jamestown. The trails are open from dawn to dusk and birds of prey can be viewed anytime the trails are open. The Nature Center is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily except Sunday when it opens at 1:00 p.m. More information can be found online at auduboncnc.org or by calling (716) 569-2345.
Recent Comments