Crows are intelligent, social birds. Attracting them offers a unique opportunity to witness their problem-solving, social structures, and communication firsthand. Their presence can also contribute to the natural ecosystem by controlling garden pests and acting as nature’s cleanup crew. Understanding their needs is key to creating a welcoming environment.
Providing Food and Water
Offering a consistent food source is essential for attracting crows. They are omnivores with a varied diet, and many common items are suitable. Unsalted nuts, such as peanuts (in or out of the shell), walnuts, cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts, are popular choices. Seeds like unsalted sunflower seeds and cracked corn also appeal to them.
Crows readily consume fruits such as apples (without seeds), grapes, blueberries, and various vegetables. Protein sources like hard-boiled eggs, cooked unseasoned meat scraps, and pea-sized cat or dog kibble are also good options, including puppy or kitten food for younger birds. Suet and live mealworms or crickets can further diversify their diet. Presenting food on the ground, in wide platform feeders, or old bird baths makes it accessible for these larger birds.
Providing fresh, clean water is equally important. Crows prefer larger, deeper bird baths than those used by smaller songbirds. Regular cleaning prevents bacterial growth and maintains hygiene. Establishing a routine for offering food and water at the same time each day can help crows learn to anticipate and visit your yard regularly.
Establishing a Crow-Friendly Space
Beyond food and water, creating a suitable physical environment encourages crows to frequent your backyard. As social birds, crows require secure places to rest and interact. They prefer horizontal roosting spots like tree branches, fence tops, or utility wires. If your yard lacks these natural perches, you can create artificial ones by installing sturdy poles with crossbars.
Locating food and water stations in an open, visible area allows crows to easily spot them from above and assess for potential threats. Ensuring the feeding area is away from heavy human traffic and offers clear sightlines helps them feel secure from predators. The presence of other crows, even in the form of decoys, can signal a safe and inviting space, attracting more birds.
Building a Relationship with Crows
Cultivating a connection with crows requires patience and consistent, non-threatening interactions. Crows are known for their exceptional memory and ability to recognize individual human faces. How you present yourself significantly influences their comfort level. Establishing a predictable routine for feeding, such as offering food at the same time and location daily, helps build trust.
When placing food, allow the crows to see you, then calmly move away to a respectful distance, or go indoors, enabling them to approach without feeling threatened. Over time, this consistent behavior can lead to crows becoming more comfortable with your presence, eventually approaching the food before you have fully retreated. Observing their behavior and patterns helps in understanding their comfort zones and adapting your approach. Soft vocalizations or specific calls can reinforce interaction, but consistency remains paramount.
Things to Avoid When Attracting Crows
To attract and retain crows, avoid actions and offerings that deter them or pose health risks. Certain foods are unsuitable, including high-salt items like salted nuts, processed meats, or most human snacks. Bread offers minimal nutritional value and can act as a filler, preventing them from consuming more beneficial foods. Chocolate, caffeine, raw beans, avocado, mushrooms, onions, and apple seeds are toxic and should never be offered. Moldy or spoiled food can also be harmful.
Environmental factors and human behaviors can also discourage crows. Sudden movements, loud noises like air horns or firecrackers, and direct, staring eye contact can be perceived as threatening. Reflective objects like Mylar tape, old CDs, or shiny streamers can frighten crows with their flashes of light. Scarecrows or static owl decoys, while initially effective, may lose impact as intelligent crows learn they are non-threats. Avoiding the use of pesticides in your yard ensures a safe environment for crows and their food sources.