Crows have fascinated people for centuries. They’re often associated with mystery and superstition, but their intelligence is what truly sets them apart. Scientists once believed that complex problem-solving was unique to primates and dolphins. Today, we know differently. Studies reveal that crows possess remarkable cognitive abilities that rival those of young children.
Related: Crows Often Get a Bad Rep, But They Are Awesome!
These extraordinary birds craft tools, remember human faces for years and solve multi-step puzzles with ease. Their thumb-sized brains pack enough processing power to plan ahead, adapt to new challenges, and even understand basic physics. Below are some of the most impressive examples of their intelligence, proving that crows may be much smarter than we ever realized.
1. Crow catching a ride on the back of an eagle
2. As part of her enrichment program, Gabby, an American crow, plays Connect Four against her trainer and caretaker Sean
3. Crow helps a hedgehog cross the street
4. This crow throws a nut into an intersection in the hopes that traffic will run over it and crack it open for him
5. He knew he won!
6. Every time trash is placed in a bin, the crows will be given a reward
7. Crows seem to have a knack for keeping themselves entertained. One particular crow used to ‘hang out’ right outside our house, just swaying gently in the breeze. He made a habit of this, showing up quite regularly.
8. Even the crows know to dip their nuggets!
9. This reminds me of the famous Aesop’s fable!
10. Go crows! Humans are lazy
11. Crows are known for their cleverness in hiding their food caches. They not only conceal their treasures but also create fake hiding spots to mislead potential thieves, including other crows.
12. This crow stacking cups shows remarkable cognitive and problem-solving skills
13. They really are quite intelligent
14. Crows enjoy tugging on tails. Some believe they do this to distract another animal from eating, which allows either the crow itself or a partner to swoop in and steal the food. Others think it's just for their own amusement.
15. Crows in Australia avoid the dangers of eating poisonous, invasive Cane Toads by flipping them over and eating only their thighs, tongues, and intestines
