Ravens and crows, both members of the Corvidae family, are widely recognized for their remarkable intelligence. These birds exhibit complex behaviors that fascinate researchers and observers. Their cognitive abilities often draw comparisons to those of primates, positioning them among the most intelligent animals on the planet.
Telling Ravens and Crows Apart
Distinguishing between ravens and crows can be challenging due to their similar appearances, but several key features set them apart. Ravens are noticeably larger than crows, with wingspans that can reach up to 46 inches, compared to crows’ average of 36 inches. Their bills also differ, with ravens possessing a thicker, more curved bill, while crows have straighter, more slender ones.
Another distinguishing characteristic is their tail shape during flight: ravens have a wedge-shaped tail, whereas crows display a fan-shaped tail. Their calls also differ significantly; ravens produce a deeper, throaty croaking sound, while crows are known for their higher-pitched “caw-caw” vocalizations. In terms of behavior, ravens often travel in pairs or small family groups and tend to soar more, while crows are more social, forming larger groups and flapping their wings more frequently.
Unpacking Corvid Cognition
Corvids, including both ravens and crows, display a broad spectrum of cognitive abilities. Their use of tools is well-documented; New Caledonian crows, for instance, craft hooks from twigs and serrated edges from leaves to extract insects. Ravens have also been observed using sticks to retrieve food and dropping nuts onto roads for cars to crack open.
Both species exhibit impressive problem-solving skills. Crows have been seen using traffic lights to their advantage, placing nuts on pedestrian crossings for cars to crack them before retrieval. In experimental settings, ravens have demonstrated an understanding of water displacement, dropping stones into a container to raise the water level and access a treat. These birds also show advanced memory and planning capabilities.
Corvids remember the locations of thousands of food caches, and ravens store items for future use. Their social cognition is equally sophisticated. Crows can recognize individual human faces and remember whether a person poses a threat, even passing this information to other crows. Ravens form complex social bonds, engaging in strategic alliances and demonstrating an understanding of fairness. Research suggests crows can understand abstract concepts like “zero,” recognizing it as a numerical quantity.
The “Smarter” Question
Determining which species is “smarter” is a nuanced task, as intelligence manifests in various forms and is challenging to measure across species. While both ravens and crows are exceptionally intelligent, research indicates that ravens demonstrate slightly more complex cognitive abilities in certain areas.
For example, young ravens have shown cognitive skills comparable to adult great apes in some tests, including general intelligence and theory of mind. Studies on planning for the future highlight ravens’ advanced foresight, with some experiments showing they can plan for events that are hours or even a day away.
While crows also exhibit remarkable problem-solving and tool-using behaviors, ravens display a greater capacity for abstract reasoning and novel problem-solving in controlled environments. Ultimately, both ravens and crows possess extraordinary intelligence, adapting to their environments with sophisticated problem-solving skills and complex social behaviors.