a french theme park has enlisted rooks, a species of crow, to help clean up cigarette butts and other trash. the smart crows were taught to put small pieces of garbage into a treat-dispensing box. while the theme park doesn’t feel that the crows will be able to handle a large-scale cleanup operation, they do hope they inspire human visitors to be more respectful.
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the rook is a large species of crow native to europe and asia, with an established introduced population in new zealand. rooks are distinct from other crows by the bare facial patch surrounding their beak. rooks are known for their intelligence, and in captivity have displayed several forms of tool use and a basic grasp of gravity.
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the rook is a bird belonging to the corvidae family that is native to europe, asia, and has an introduced presence in new zealand.
the rook is a medium-sized brownish-black bird with glossy feathers that are iridescent and turn purple and green in the right lighting. the rook is easily distinguished from other crows by their bare face, making them look almost as if their skull is exposed. the rook also has very fluffy feathering around the legs.
rooks are omnivorous, and feed off of insects, earthworms, grain, fruit, small animals, eggs, acorns, and crustaceans. they are opportunistic and in urban environments will seek out human scraps.
rooks are highly social birds that form massive flocks that roost together in the evenings. these flocks are sometimes viewed as disturbances.
rooks are monogamous, and are highly devoted to their mates, having long-term pair bonds.
the rook is rated least concern by the iucn due to its high population numbers and the large amount of land the species inhabits.
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