CORVIDS
Smarter Than You Think: An Essay Addressing the Intelligent Corvid’s Problems
Emily Flores
April 23, 2021
Introduction
Until recently, birds were believed to be simple creatures run solely on instinctual behaviors. Research into these externally simple creatures paints a different picture though. Some of the smartest bird species are able to solve problems using multiple different solutions, others can manage to use tools both in a lab setting and in the real world, and yet others are able to pass tests that human children are unable to. As Kluger points out in his TIME article when addressing the intelligence of crows, “[i]n the case of corvids and other animals, what may drive intelligence higher still is the structure not of their brains but of their societies” (Kluger, 14). This is where the theory for the bigger and more evolved brain of corvids is believed to originate.
Like humans, corvids are social creatures and this may contribute to their advanced planning, learning, and processing of information. Crows are a good example that is seen in everyday life. A murder of crows is not unusual in urban locations, and their cries are well known to most people. In a study conducted by wildlife scientist John Marzluff at the University of Washington showed that crows pass down information from generation to generation. (-->)
The crows a decade from after the study was first conducted still acted like their ancestors, and this is just one of the few instances of recorded social behaviors from corvids. Just like humans, they learn and help educate others; they are social creatures, a behavior believed to contribute to higher learning and thinking.
Tool Usage and Delayed Gratification
To start off, using tools is not exclusive to those with opposable thumbs. In a study done by Rachael Miller at the University of Cambridge, they found that New Caledonian crows were able to outperform children in a few tests where they were required to use tools in order to get a reward. One such test is in delayed gratification, or being able to hold off on receiving a less preferred reward in exchange for something better after some time. Both the birds and adults performed significantly better when compared to the children and orangutans, having chosen the preferred reward that was given rather than use the tool to get the same reward that was in the apparatus. This indicates work-effort sensitivity; in other words, knowing when it is best to make an effort and when it is not (Miller). The crows indicated that they were able to show restraint if they knew a better reward was in store for them, and that their preferred method of retrieving that reward was by using a tool.
In human children, learning how to have delayed gratification is a sign of good development as well as a growing level of intelligence, and as Miller points out “[t]he birds’ performance in the four tasks that the 3-year olds struggled with, and particularly the motivation condition, which 4-5-year olds and orangutans also struggled with due to an apparent preference for using tools, is particularly intriguing, though note that the birds received more trials in this condition than children.” These test subjects being able to demonstrate they have the same cognitive abilities as a human child, at the very least, shows they have intelligence on a higher level than previously thought.
Cognitive Reasoning and Planning
In a different study on three ground-hornbills, researcher Samara Danel at the laboratory for the Study of Cognitive Mechanisms at the University of Lyon in France tests whether the subjects are able to display cognitive reasoning. They present the birds with two strings, only one containing a piece of food on the end.
The strings will be straight, crossed, or coiled, and the test is to see whether the subjects are able to reason which string will have the reward. The results showed that the birds performed well overall, though only when the strings were connected. In a trial where the strings were not connected, the birds would choose the incorrect string. The researchers explain that it may be due to the lack of attention to whether the strings were connected, though this is only one assumption based on a study done on chimpanzees. Danel admits that “[a]lthough the conclusions from this experiment are limited by the small sample size, the ground-hornbills in th[e] study exhibited a cognitive performance in th[e] physical cognition task that is comparable to that of other large-brained species in similar tasks.” Despite this, however, the subjects demonstrated problem solving tactics and were almost always successful in retrieving the reward.
The Mark Test
Lastly, a study on the Indian house crow was conducted by researcher Amaan Buniyaadi, a PhD student at the University of Delhi who studies the cognitive abilities in corvids, used the mark test to see whether the subjects showed higher level thinking. By placing a red dot on their body that could only be seen through a reflection, the researchers tested to see if the crows would interact with the dot on their bodies or by using the mirror. In essence, they were testing for object permanence, the ability to understand that objects continue to exist even if not seen, heard, or sensed by the individual.
This ability is only found in higher intelligence animals such as humans, and this is usually learned in childhood. The crows were shown to examine their reflections for long periods of time, most likely knowing it was themselves in the mirror even without prior exposure to the mirror. This suggests that they have object permanence, even more clearly when they tried to examine the red dot by using their beaks on their own bodies rather than their reflections (Buniyaadi). (Below, an illustration taken from the study depicting how the mark test was conducted and how the crows reacted to it).
Discussion
Corvids have been around forever, and they are a common species all around the world. Yet, hardly are they thought to be intelligent, much less able to use tools or understand complex concepts on the level of humans. But there is much research that suggests otherwise, and it begs the question of whether corvids, or animals for that matter, do have their own intelligence. Not only that, but whether the treatment of corvids and other animals is justified when it comes to animal testing, hunting, or other human-made problems. It is unlikely to have the whole human population go vegan ever, though this does not mean unjust living and slaughtering conditions should be permissible.
The same goes for animal testing that benefits humans, but computer software and strict laws on what is allowed to be tested on animals is surely reducing the number of animals needed. “Ultimately, the same biological knob that adjusts animal consciousness up or down ought to govern how we value the way those species experience their lives” (Kluger, 19). Respect for animals is long overdue, and knowing that they possess a higher level of intelligence, corvids should be advocated for. Small changes in the everyday routine can go a long way in helping these creatures whose minds have been shown time and time again to be just as capable as the human mind.
Problems Threatening Corvids
Some of the main problems faced by corvid populations come from issues caused by humans. In urban cities, the region where a majority of corvid populations find themselves, there are many windows and buildings made of reflective glass (Crow). It is not uncommon for a bird to not see the glass and fly into it. If they are going fast enough, the collision may either leave the bird with impact trauma, fatal if not treated quickly, or worse, immediate death. If they are lucky enough to survive, they may be found and taken home by a passerby. The average person is not well educated enough to take care of an injured, or even uninjured, bird which increases the likelihood of them being improperly cared for.
There are also cases where the corvid may be found on the ground and picked up by a person falsely thinking they are injured. In crows, fledglings are often watched by their families while learning to fly. The problem is that they are usually alone on the ground, making it seem as if they are injured. Depending on the species, if the corvid is young enough and solely raised by humans, it may imprint on them. This can lead to problems if it’s left unattended, making it develop anxiety and depression in many cases.
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One such case is the Jackdaw, a species that is social and learns most by being social with others of its kind. To humans, the appearance of Jackdaw fledgling is irresistible, causing them to take and try to raise the bird. Though they may do all the research to keep the bird physically healthy, ultimately the fledgling will grow to imprint on the human and will ultimately lead to psychological disorders due to inattentiveness or lack of a close social bond with another Jackdaw (Crow). Such stress will lead to a painful life for the bird, and an equally painful, lonely death. If this sort of treatment is not allowed on humans, a species that has a similar intelligence should not have to suffer in such a way either.
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But by far the biggest problem is one all too well known: plastic pollution. A study done by Andrea K. Townsend and Christopher M. Barker from the University of California Davis found that of the 195 nestlings in 106 nests, 85.2% of the crow nests (about 90) contained anthropogenic material (Townsend). Anthropogenic material is material that is artificial; in other words, man-made/produced. From anything to bottle caps to straws to fishnets, these are the usual plastics that can be found polluting not only landfills, but oceans, forests, lakes, deserts, and now, animals. This amount of pollution, while higher in urban territories, increased the odds of entanglement 7.55 times for every meter of anthropogenic material for fledglings nested in agricultural territories (Townsend). The solution? Recycling.
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First, how did these wastes make their way into these nests? In the United States, plastic-producing companies merely produce and sell their products to the consumer, but they are not obligated to recollect and recycle their products. The responsibility of recycling is left up to the consumer, and much of it ends up in trash cans rather than recycling bins. Dumpsters are a common place corvids will raid for food or materials to build their nests, and this is where the root of the problem lies. By picking up materials such as string, fishing line, or dental floss and mistaking them for material to build nests, corvids can end up entrapping their own fledglings. So far, it was found that 5.6% of the fledglings (about 11) were unable to fledge, or develop strong and long enough wings to support flight (Townsend). Though it may not seem like much, corvid populations are much larger than the 200 individuals in the study, and that five percent skyrockets as the number grows.
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When did this become a problem? Recycling has been an issue highly debated ever since the creation of plastic for the average consumer. Plastic is made up of many materials that are not biodegradable, meaning that the natural environment is not able to safely and organically consume the materials. The effect this brings on animals, then, is that they are consuming materials that they won’t be able to digest, or use items that are not normally found in their environment which puts them in danger. With the increasing number of humans every year, so too does the amount of plastic waste generated and dumped into the environment. In fact, it would not be a surprise to find plastic pollution from decades ago in today’s modern times.
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But why is this an issue? Corvids are abundant, and they are certainly not endangered or even threatened. But it has less to do with the benefits for the human population and more to do with the respect shown to these creatures. Corvids are among the smartest birds, sometimes able to rival and surpass cognitive reasoning and planning not only orangutans, but human children as well. Morally, harming such a creature that has been shown to be intelligent in many studies is wrong. If there are simple solutions that can be implemented through movements and government laws that will help to protect the corvid population, it is no question that these should be fought for. Allowing the consequences of plastic pollution to affect the lives of so many creatures is a call to action in itself, but when it begins to harm the species that have demonstrated high levels of thinking and cognitive reason, without a doubt these are the species to strive to help the most.
Solutions
Depending on the species, corvids can be migratory or partially migratory. For those who are migratory, impact trauma is one of the biggest issues if they are traveling to a new region for the first time. Fortunately, impact trauma can be reduced, possibly even solved by doing simple things. According to Corvid Isle’s blog, the best way to help is by addressing the windows on a house. Reflective windows or houses with windows that have a clear view through are the most troublesome for these birds. One easy fix is getting tape that stops the reflection of the sky and clouds. “Birds often strike windows because they see a reflection of clouds, sky or trees, which gives the mistaken impression that they are flying into open air” (Crow). By fixing this, the birds will have less of a chance of flying into the windows, thus having less of a chance to get impact trauma.
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In regards to raising a corvid, it is important to do research on the specific species. As mentioned before, the Jackdaw is a social bird and requires much attention. If raised by a human when it is young, the chances of it imprinting on the human is probable. In order to prevent the Jackdaw, or any corvid species from suffering due to lack of proper care and research, the best option is to take the bird to a professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, however, making sure to know which species you are trying to help is essential to actually providing help. There are some general tips for taking care of a corvid, a few that I put into an infographic in order to help those trying to take care of a corvid temporarily.
(The infographic above I made for the Social Media Campaign where I give basic help for helping to care for corvids that are injured or sick. The information is derived from Corvid Isle’s blog.) Again, this is only in the case of necessary care if expert help is not readily available at the time. Taking care of the bird is not only posing a danger to the caretaker, but the bird as well; for this reason, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
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However, the most important thing that anyone can do is more simple than it appears. Plastic pollution continues to increase by the year, and it is predicted in a few decades that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. This poses major problems not just for marine life, but the land dwellers as well. Because some corvid species are migratory, they are also faced with the problem that other migratory birds face when it comes to pollution. When building a nest to house their eggs, corvids may use cast away plastic to build these nests. This leads to their fledglings growing up in an environment that is polluted, already lowering their chance to survive. The solution: recycling more of the plastic that is used.
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Thankfully there are very simple solutions to this problem that can help save many species besides corvids. Educating the general public and encouraging everyone to recycle can drastically reduce the amount of pollution. Many people don’t realize how harmful pollution really is, nor how it can affect them. When plastic is dumped on the ground, through natural causes, it will almost always end up in the ocean, more specifically at the bottom. Here, it takes decades to break down into smaller pieces and eventually particles. Plankton and other small organisms eat this plastic, then those are eaten by small fish and continuously in this way until it reaches the top of the food chain. It is not a far fetched theory that soon enough future generations of humans will have some form of plastic in their bodies, either from the water they drink, or the food they eat. If plastic pollution can do this much damage to humans, it may wipe out other species such as marine animals and corvids.
The best platform to use to spread this message is on social media. The lack of awareness should not stop people from gathering support and uniting to fix this problem. Social media is a powerful tool that can get a message viral in no time at all if presented in the right way. If even ten people started sharing their thoughts on how to help the pollution crisis, they could recruit ten more people to share that same message. Although it may take some time, the use of social media as a tool and platform to advocate for change is a vital step that almost everyone can help contribute to.
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The authors of the article “Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution” continue by saying that joining clean up activities is another way to help the environment. This is a more hands-on approach that is being done in countless places all over the world already. The Plastic Bank is one such organization that helps take care of pollution by offering money and services to people in polluted areas for bringing in plastic. If there were more organizations like this that encouraged people to recycle, it would help incredibly reduce the amount of pollution hurting corvids.
The Other Side
Some would argue that we are currently doing enough to handle pollution. Forcing people to recycle would probably be seen, by some, as an infringement of their personal rights. However, as human beings inhabiting the same planet, it should be everyone’s responsibility to take care of it as much as possible. Implementing more laws to protect the environment, educating the general public, and recycling are all a few examples of how to help the environment, and making sure to share the space with species such as corvids is essential as well. The planet is suffering due to a problem that was human-made, and now it needs to be solved by humans too.
