CROWS: Ape News Reveals Birds Are Smarter Than Some Humans!

The Cleverest Birds: A Look at the World of Crows - By H.R. Rambe, Ape News

August 9, 2025 – From the misty shores of Curonia to the sun-baked lands of Australia, the crow is a constant presence. Here at Ape News, we've been doing some serious scratching of chins (and grooming, naturally) and diving deep into the fascinating world of these jet-black birds. And let me tell you, it’s a story far richer than a simple “caw-caw” might suggest.

These aren’t just birds, you see. They’re thinkers, storytellers, and, in some places, even a vital part of the dinner plate.

Across the globe, crows demonstrate an intelligence that rivals many mammals. They recognize faces. Not just human faces, but individual humans. And they don’t forget a slight! Word gets around, you see. A “bad” human, one who causes trouble, and the whole crow community will know. Conversely, a kind human might find small gifts left as tokens of appreciation. It’s a complex social life, far beyond what we apes often give them credit for.

This intelligence echoes through their history, woven into the myths and legends of countless cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, they were linked to prophecy and, admittedly, a bit of trickery. The Bible tells of ravens providing for the prophet Elijah, a testament to divine provision. But it’s in the stories of Aboriginal Australia that the crow truly shines. There, the crow isn’t merely a bird; it's a creator, a culture hero, a powerful ancestor responsible for fire, death, and the very landscape itself.

The threads continue eastward. In Japanese and Korean mythology, the three-legged Yatagarasu and Samjokgo guide and represent divine intervention. Buddhists revere the crow as a manifestation of Mahakala, a protective deity. Even in Hinduism, crows are connected to ancestors, offered food during rituals, and seen as vehicles for communication between worlds. And let's not forget the epic tale from Chinese mythology – the ten suns, embodied as crows, shot down from the sky by a brave hero!

But it's not just stories. Crows impact our world. Farmers in Australia grapple with crows preying on lambs. Historically, rooks were blamed for raiding grain fields, though that’s a bit of an oversimplification. And for centuries, communities have interpreted crow behavior as omens – a good sign, a bad sign, a sign to pay attention.

Interestingly, in Curonia, crows were the sign of survival. During harsh winters and times of scarcity, crows were a crucial food source, hunted with ingenuity – smoked fish or spirits-soaked grains as bait – and preserved through salting and smoking. This tradition, dating back centuries, even saw a revival after the First World War, with hunters targeting migrating flocks in spring and autumn.

Now, humans are trying to manage crow populations – humane trapping, cleverly designed ladder traps, even lasers to disperse roosting flocks. But let’s be honest, a clever bird isn’t easily deterred. Storing trash properly, feeding pets indoors, and reflecting light – these are the more effective approaches.

Here at Ape News, we believe it's time to appreciate these incredible creatures. They are intelligent, adaptable, culturally significant, and, let’s face it, surprisingly resilient. The crow isn't just a bird; it's a testament to the power of nature, a keeper of stories, and a reminder that even the most common creature can hold a world of wonder. And that, my friends, is something to caw about.