Crows (eBook)

Candace Savage is the author of numerous internationally acclaimed books on subjects ranging from natural history and science to popular culture. She is the author of the bestselling natural history titles Bird Brains: The Intelligence of Crows, Ravens, Magpies and Jays, Prairie: A Natural History (for which she won two Saskatchewan Book Awards in 2004), and Mother Nature: Animal Parents and Their Young. She lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

1. The Birds in BlackThis chapter introduces the far-flung members of the genus Corvusravens, crows, jackdaws, and rooks. The chapter takes delight in the legends that posit Crow itself as the creative energy in the universe while focusing attention on the evolutionary forces that have created the birds themselves.2. Family DramasThe most important reality in the life of a corvine is the corvine on the next branch. This chapter focuses on the birds’ complex family structure and social life.3. The Trickster RevisitedPeople say that crows and ravens are the smartest birds in the world, able to count, recognize friends and enemies, and invent and use tools. Just how wise are these wise guys, anyway?4. Fellow FeelingThe basis of social interaction is the ability to tell your fellows what you feel and think. This chapter discusses vocal and nonvocal communication among corvines.