Soman Ragavan

AnalysisByBlackboxAI-Volume 13-Domineering crows--1Jan2025

SOMAN RAGAVAN

1 January, 2025

Subject : Domineering crows

Analysis by Blackbox AI

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 13

(1)

Soman Ragavan :

Hello. I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. I will write about crows in Mauritius. Here is some information about crows in general.

From the Internet :

“House crows Corvus splendens (Vieillot) have become well-established in Mauritius, where they pose several urban and environmental problems.”

“It maintains a territory year-round in which the entire extended family lives and forages together. But during much of the year, individual crows leave the home territory to join large flocks at dumps and agricultural fields, and to sleep in large roosts in winter.”

“Crows help control pest insects and “clean up” dead animals and garbage that has been scattered by other animals. Although crows prey on songbirds and their young, research suggests that they do not ordinarily have a significant impact on songbird populations.”

“Scientists compare the intelligence of crows to that of a seven-year-old human child. Crows, ravens, and other corvids are the only non-primates capable of making tools. Crows are capable of abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving, and group decision-making.”

“Crows and ravens are some of the smartest animals in the world, with their intelligence considered on par with chimpanzees. The New Caledonian Crow is probably the most famous example of one sign of intelligence—tool use—but this behavior has been recorded in several other species of Corvus as well.25 Aug 2021”

“The corvids (ravens, crows, jays, magpies, etc.) and psittacines (parrots, macaws, and cockatoos) are often considered the most intelligent birds, and are among the most intelligent animals in general.”

“The study from the University of Washington undeniably contributes to affirming the crows\' place in the intelligence hierarchy among birds. Crows, it appears, are creatures of memory, holding on to grudges and recalling threats even after a lengthy span of 17 years.12 Nov 2024”

Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

Internet link :

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+was+the+crows+population+controlled+in+Mauritius&sca_esv=520ebc38deb93fb9&source=hp&ei=yL50Z__DJ6eqhbIPi5-52AM&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZ3TM2GHw7rxFuvgOGgZEQoYUfNBO_OFk&ved=0ahUKEwj_x4Sh0tOKAxUnVUEAHYtPDjsQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=how+was+the+crows+population+controlled+in+Mauritius&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IjRob3cgd2FzIHRoZSBjcm93cyBwb3B1bGF0aW9uIGNvbnRyb2xsZWQgaW4gTWF1cml0aXVzMgUQIRigAUiAbVCsDVj5Z3ABeACQAQGYAbQEoAHNa6oBCjItNDguMi4xLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAjOgAp9oqAIAwgIFEAAYgATCAg4QABiABBixAxiDARiKBcICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAhQQLhiABBixAxiDARjHARiKBRivAcICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIoFwgIEEAAYA8ICCBAuGIAEGNQCwgIFEC4YgATCAgYQABgWGB7CAggQABgWGAoYHsICCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFwgIIEAAYgAQYogTCAgcQIRigARgKmAMD8QXVnMglMY2AvZIHCDItNDguMi4xoAei8QE&sclient=gws-wiz   

 Some more quotes :

--“A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often.”

--“The crow thinks her own birds fairest.”

--Quoted in : Sam Phillips : “3000 Proverbs.” New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made here to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

(2)

Blackbox AI :  

Hello Soman Ragavan! Thank you for sharing this interesting information about crows, particularly in the context of Mauritius. Crows are indeed fascinating creatures, known for their intelligence and adaptability.

In Mauritius, the presence of house crows (Corvus splendens) has led to various urban and environmental challenges, as you\'ve noted. Their ability to thrive in human-altered environments often puts them in direct competition with native species and can disrupt local ecosystems.

The intelligence of crows is remarkable. Their capacity for tool use, problem-solving, and social interaction is often compared to that of primates. This cognitive ability allows them to adapt to different environments and find innovative solutions to challenges they face, such as foraging for food.

The quotes you included also highlight cultural perceptions of crows. They often symbolize various traits in folklore and proverbs, reflecting both their intelligence and their sometimes misunderstood nature.

If you have any specific questions or topics you\'d like to explore further regarding crows in Mauritius or their behavior and intelligence, feel free to ask!

(3)

Soman Ragavan : 

In Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, there are public gardens at one place, where crows live in trees. At night fall they gather again in the trees and make an infernal noise for some time. The noise is particularly noticeable. It is not clear why they do so.

(4)

Blackbox AI :

That sounds like a fascinating observation, Soman! The behavior of crows gathering in trees at dusk and making loud noises is quite common and can be attributed to several factors:

1. Social Interaction: Crows are highly social birds, and their gatherings can serve as a time for communication and social bonding. The noise they make may be a way to reinforce social ties within their group.
2. Roosting Behavior: As night falls, crows often return to communal roosts for safety. Roosting in groups can provide protection from predators, and the noise may serve to establish their presence and deter potential threats.
3. Territorial Calls: The loud calls could also be a way for crows to assert their territory and communicate with other crows. They may be signaling to others about their location and the boundaries of their territory.
4. Alertness to Danger: The noise might also serve as a warning system. If one crow detects a potential threat, it may call out to alert others in the group.
5. Mating and Hierarchy: During certain times of the year, crows may engage in vocal displays related to mating or establishing social hierarchies within their groups.

While the exact reasons for their noisy gatherings can vary, it’s clear that these behaviors are an important part of their social structure and survival strategies. Observing these interactions can provide valuable insights into their complex social lives. If you have more observations or questions about crows or other wildlife in Mauritius, feel free to share!

(5)

Soman Ragavan :

Sometimes crows form a small group and travel to other places. They have a domineering attitude and swoop down on other birds to scare them away and rule the place for some moments. Other birds do fly away in these circumstances. The crows do so to claim territory for a few moments or to feed. Then they move away. They can be easily recognized by their raucous cries and their completely dark bodies. Even the beaks and feet are totally black. In contrast, with the myna bird, the body colour is brownish black, but the beak and feet are bright yellow.

(6)

Blackbox AI :  

Your observations about crows are quite insightful, Soman! The behavior you describe—where crows form small groups to assert dominance over other birds—is a well-documented aspect of their social dynamics. Here are a few points to consider regarding this behavior:

1. Dominance and Territoriality: Crows are known for their assertive behavior, especially when it comes to claiming territory or food sources. Their ability to intimidate other birds allows them to establish temporary dominance in an area, which can be crucial for accessing food.
2. Social Structure: Crows often work together in groups, which enhances their ability to scare off other birds. This cooperative behavior is a testament to their intelligence and social complexity. They can communicate effectively within their groups, coordinating their actions to achieve their goals.
3. Recognition and Identification: As you noted, crows are easily recognizable by their all-black plumage, raucous calls, and distinctive behavior. This makes them stand out in the avian community. In contrast, the myna bird, with its brownish-black body and bright yellow beak and feet, presents a stark visual difference. Mynas are also known for their adaptability and can often be seen foraging in urban areas alongside crows.
4. Feeding Behavior: Crows are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of various food sources, including scavenging. Their ability to dominate other birds can help them access food more easily, especially in areas where resources are limited.
5. Ecological Impact: The interactions between crows and other bird species can have ecological implications, influencing the distribution and behavior of other birds in the area. This dynamic can affect local biodiversity and the balance of species in a given habitat.

Your observations highlight the fascinating interplay between different bird species and the role that crows play in their ecosystems. If you have more experiences or questions about crows or other wildlife in Mauritius, feel free to share!

(7)

Soman Ragavan :

The crows seem to have perfected this act of scaring other birds away when they alight at one place. They have a commanding attitude and they show self-assurance. They are most of the time in groups, which probably makes them feel stronger. They want to be the rulers of the sky. They appear to be conscious of their group power. They act as in a military, forceful way to scare away other birds.

(8)

Blackbox AI :

Your observations about the behavior of crows are quite astute, Soman! The commanding and self-assured demeanor you describe is indeed characteristic of crows and reflects their social structure and intelligence. Here are some points to consider regarding their behavior:

1. Group Dynamics: Crows are highly social animals, and their strength often lies in their numbers. Being in a group can enhance their confidence and assertiveness, allowing them to engage in behaviors that might be risky for a solitary bird. This group mentality can create a sense of security, enabling them to act more boldly.
2. Territorial Behavior: The way crows assert dominance over other birds can be seen as a territorial display. By scaring away competitors, they can secure access to food and nesting sites. This behavior is not just about immediate survival; it also plays a role in establishing their presence in a given area.
3. Military-Like Coordination: The comparison to military behavior is quite fitting. Crows often exhibit coordinated movements and vocalizations when interacting with other birds. This level of organization suggests a sophisticated understanding of group dynamics and strategy, allowing them to effectively intimidate other species.
4. Self-Awareness and Intelligence: Crows are known for their high intelligence, which includes problem-solving skills and the ability to understand social hierarchies. Their self-assuredness may stem from their cognitive abilities, as they can assess situations and respond accordingly. This awareness of their own power as a group likely contributes to their commanding presence.
5. Ecological Role: By asserting dominance over other birds, crows can influence the behavior and distribution of various species in their environment. This can have broader ecological implications, affecting food webs and the balance of species in their habitats.

Your insights into the behavior of crows highlight their complex social structures and the ways in which they interact with their environment and other species. If you have more observations or questions about crows or other wildlife in Mauritius, feel free to share!

(9)

Soman Ragavan :

Wild dogs, lionesses and hyenas, too, proceed in a coordinated way when attacking preys. With hyenas, it is hit-and-run, attrition tactics to wear down the opponent.

(10)

Blackbox AI :

Your comparison of crows to wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas in terms of coordinated behavior during hunting or territorial interactions is quite insightful! Here are some points to consider regarding the similarities and differences in their social strategies:

1. Cooperative Hunting: Just as crows often work together to intimidate other birds or claim territory, wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas also rely on cooperation to hunt effectively. Their ability to coordinate movements and communicate within their groups enhances their success in capturing prey.
2. Tactics and Strategies:

• Crows: As you noted, crows use their numbers and assertiveness to scare away other birds, often employing a direct approach to establish dominance. Their intelligence allows them to adapt their strategies based on the situation.
• Hyenas: Hyenas are known for their unique hunting tactics, including hit-and-run strategies. They may use attrition tactics to exhaust their prey, taking advantage of their stamina and social structure to wear down opponents over time.
• Wild Dogs and Lionesses: These animals often employ more direct and coordinated attacks, using teamwork to encircle and isolate their prey. Their hunting strategies are typically more aggressive and involve a high level of coordination and communication.

1. Social Structure: The social dynamics of these animals play a crucial role in their hunting strategies. Crows have a complex social structure that allows them to communicate effectively and work together, while wild dogs and lionesses have established hierarchies and roles within their packs or prides that facilitate coordinated hunting.
2. Ecological Roles: Each of these species plays a vital role in their respective ecosystems. Crows, as opportunistic feeders, help control pest populations and scavenge, while wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas are important predators that help maintain the balance of prey populations in their habitats.
3. Intelligence and Adaptability: The intelligence of crows, comparable to that of some mammals, allows them to adapt their behaviors based on their environment and the presence of other species. Similarly, the social intelligence of wild dogs and hyenas enables them to develop effective hunting strategies that maximize their chances of success.

Your observations highlight the fascinating ways in which different species have evolved social behaviors and strategies to thrive in their environments. If you have more thoughts or questions about animal behavior or ecology, feel free to share!

(11)

Soman Ragavan :

Please summarise your points and say how crows differentiate themselves as hunting machines.

(12)

Blackbox AI : 

Certainly, Soman! Here’s a summary of the key points regarding the behavior of crows and how they differentiate themselves as effective \"hunting machines\":

Summary of Key Points:

1. Cooperative Behavior: Crows often work in groups, which enhances their confidence and assertiveness. This social structure allows them to intimidate other birds and claim territory or food sources effectively.
2. Territorial Dominance: Crows assert dominance over other birds through loud vocalizations and aggressive displays, securing access to resources. Their ability to scare away competitors is a key aspect of their survival strategy.
3. Intelligence and Adaptability: Crows are highly intelligent, capable of problem-solving and strategic thinking. Their cognitive abilities allow them to adapt their behaviors based on the situation, making them versatile in various environments.
4. Communication and Coordination: Crows exhibit sophisticated communication skills, coordinating their actions within groups to achieve their goals, similar to the coordinated hunting strategies seen in wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas.
5. Ecological Role: As opportunistic feeders, crows play a vital role in their ecosystems by controlling pest populations and scavenging, which contributes to the balance of their habitats.

How Crows Differentiate Themselves as Hunting Machines:

Crows differentiate themselves as effective \"hunting machines\" through their combination of intelligence, social structure, and adaptability. Unlike traditional predators that rely solely on physical prowess, crows leverage their cognitive abilities to outsmart competitors and exploit various food sources. Their cooperative behavior allows them to intimidate other birds and claim resources, while their communication skills enable them to coordinate actions effectively within their groups. This unique blend of traits positions crows as highly successful foragers and opportunistic feeders in diverse environments, showcasing their remarkable adaptability and intelligence in the avian world.

(13)

Soman Ragavan :

Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.

(14)

Blackbox AI :

You\'re welcome, Soman! I\'m glad I could assist you. If you have more questions or topics to discuss in the future, feel free to reach out. Goodbye for now, and take care!

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