researchers created a small ‘vending machine’ for crows, accompanied with small slips of paper that could be used to operate the machine. the crows quickly figured out how to use the machine. next, the crows were given papers that were the incorrect size. the crows fashioned them into the right size for the machine. it was predicted this would happen – in the wild, crows have been observed on many occasions using tools they fashion themselves to get what they want.
crows and ravens have demostrated a knowledge of ‘fairness’ – and demand equal treatment. researchers did an ‘inequity test’ on the birds. some birds received cheese, a high value treat, and others received a piece of grape, which was not desirable. those who received the grape started refusing to accept it. the researchers then performed an ‘effort control’ test. some birds were given a piece of cheese with nothing required of them. other birds could choose from cheese or a grape – but had to exchange a token for them. again, the birds that were being treated unfairly refused to cooperate.
indigo buntings are a small member of the cardinal family found in north america (and south america during the winter). in fall and winter, the male and female buntings look the same, but in spring males molt into striking blue plumage.
despite having very similar distinct body shape & behavior, swifts and swallows are only very distantly related. the two families are an example of convergent evolution – when two unrelated organisms evolve the same traits for the same purpose. despite looking very much like swallows, swifts are actually closely related to hummingbirds.
I used to feed the crows on campus every day because it was easier than making human friends (I had one already – and Robin likes crows as much as I do). Pretty soon, they figured out where I lived and would alight upon my dorm windowsill and watch me. I offered them only healthy things, like leftover fish, hard boiled eggs, nuts, suet, and dog food. They were already habituated to humans and had no fear of us, and I figured it was better to feed them real food instead of the french fries they’d get tossed.
It only got weird when people began to notice that crows would follow me to class. Two in particular would fly alongside me as I walked across campus, landing and cawing for treats and keeping pace with me. Sometimes people would try to scare them off and I’d have to explain that Heinrich and Fatima weren’t bad omens signaling my doom, just spoiled little brats.
today's bird 