SOMAN RAGAVAN
1 January, 2025
Subject : Domineering crows
Analysis by Deep AI
(Artificial Intelligence)
Volume 14
(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)
Deep AI :
Hello Soman! Thank you for sharing your insights and research on crows in Mauritius. It\'s fascinating to learn about their ecological role and intelligence. Here are some key points from your provided information:
### Overview of Crows in Mauritius
- House crows (*Corvus splendens*) have established themselves in Mauritius and are facing various urban and environmental challenges.
- Crows maintain territories and live in extended family groups. Individual crows often leave their home territories to forage in larger groups at dumps or agricultural locations.
- Crows contribute to pest control and the cleanup of dead animals and waste. While they do prey on smaller birds, their overall impact on songbird populations is negligible.
- Crows exhibit cognitive abilities comparable to that of a seven-year-old child. They can use tools, engage in abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and group decision-making.
- The New Caledonian crow is noted for its tool-use abilities, a sign of high intelligence shared among various species within the *Corvus* genus.
- Crows are known for their remarkable memory, holding onto grudges and recalling threats for years, which contributes to their survival and social dynamics.
### Cultural Reflections
The quotes you included reflect how crows are perceived in various cultures and highlight their characteristics. For example:
- \"A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often\" suggests that outward appearances don\'t change one\'s true nature.
- \"The crow thinks her own birds fairest\" implies a natural bias towards one\'s own kind, common in many species.
### Conclusion
The intelligence and adaptability of crows make them a fascinating subject of study, especially in unique ecosystems like Mauritius. If you\'re planning to delve deeper into their ecological impact or their interactions with humans, there’s a wealth of research that could contribute to that exploration.
Feel free to share more about your observations or any specific questions you might have!
(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)
Deep AI :
That sounds like a fascinating observation, Soman! Crows are known for their vocalizations, which can be quite loud and varied, especially during communal roosting times such as at dusk. Here are a few reasons why crows might gather in large numbers and make significant noise at nightfall:
### Reasons for Nocturnal Noise:
### Conclusion
The infernal noise you describe at dusk is quite common among crows and can be attributed to their complex social behavior. Observing this phenomenon in Port Louis must be intriguing, especially in such a vibrant urban setting. If you continue to observe the crows there, you might notice variations in their behavior depending on the time of year or changes in their environment. It could provide further insight into their social dynamics and interactions in the urban landscape of Mauritius. Feel free to share more about your experiences!
(5)
Soman Ragavan :
The noise is intriguing and exasperating. Crows behave as if they are entitled, they respect nothing and nobody, they will make loud noises as if they don’t care about others, nor do they fear others. Perhaps they realise that “there is safety in numbers.” Groups of lionesses, wild dogs and hyenas, too, are conscious of their collective strength while hunting. In this case, the crows have returned to their nests at nightfall.
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)
Deep AI :
Your observations about crows highlight their assertive behavior and their interactions with other bird species in Mauritius. It’s interesting to explore their social dynamics and how they navigate their environment. Here’s a deeper analysis of your insights:
### Crows\' Behavior and Social Dynamics
- Crows are known for their boldness and seemingly fearless behavior. Their assertive attitude may stem from their intelligence and social structure, which allows them to establish dominance in certain areas, especially in urban environments where they interact closely with humans.
- As you mentioned, crows intuitively understand that there is safety in large groups. This collective behavior reduces the risk of predation and allows them to intimidate other species, both in foraging and social contexts.
- Their tendency to swoop down and scare away other birds demonstrates their confidence and dominance. Crows often assert their presence to claim feeding areas, which might explain why they briefly take over certain territories. This behavior is common among many bird species, where competition for resources can lead to aggressive interactions.
- Crows can be easily recognized by their shiny black plumage and raspy calls. This distinctive coloration and noise not only help identify them but also serve as a deterrent to other birds, signaling their presence and strength.
- Your comparison of crows with mynas illustrates the diversity in bird species. Unlike crows, mynas are often more adaptive in urban environments and have their own unique behaviors. This contrast highlights how different species can coexist in the same habitat while developing distinctive survival strategies.
### Conclusion
The behavior of crows you observe is a fascinating reflection of their intelligence and adaptability. Their loud vocalizations and assertive attitudes can be both intriguing and exasperating for those living nearby. As you continue to monitor their interactions and behaviors in Mauritius, you might find even more nuances in their social structure and environmental adaptations. It would be interesting to see how their presence influences the local ecosystem and interactions with other bird species. Feel free to share more about your experiences or any specific encounters you’ve had with them!
(7)
Soman Ragavan :
The crows probably search for food elsewhere during the day but return to those gardens, where they have made their nests. There is a saying “As the crow flies.” Does this mean they can fly in a straight line from point A to point B ?
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.
(8)
Deep AI :
Your observations about crows and their behavior in relation to their nesting and foraging habits are quite insightful. Let\'s delve into the points you\'ve made:
### Crows\' Behavior and Foraging
- It’s common for crows to leave their nesting areas to forage for food during the day. They are opportunistic feeders and will explore various locations to find suitable food sources before returning to the safety of their nests at dusk. This behavior underscores their adaptability and intelligence in seeking out resources.
- The phrase “as the crow flies” indeed refers to the shortest distance between two points, usually a straight line. Crows are known for their ability to fly directly from one location to another without following the winding paths that might be taken by terrestrial routes. This ability speaks to their navigation skills and understanding of their environment.
### Crows\' Social Interactions
- Crows have honed their ability to intimidate other birds, a behavior that likely evolved due to their need to compete for resources. Their commanding attitude is amplified by their numbers, which provides them with a sense of security and dominance. They often exploit this group dynamic to assert their will over other species.
- The confidence you described in crows is evident in their interactions. Their vocalizations, body language, and group formations all contribute to their commanding presence. This self-assurance not only helps mitigate their vulnerability but also establishes their role as a dominant species in urban and natural environments.
- Crows are highly social animals, and their awareness of group dynamics plays a crucial role in their behavior. They rely on each other for foraging, protection, and social interactions, which enables them to effectively claim territories and resources.
### Conclusion
Crows are remarkable creatures with complex social structures and behaviors. Your observations hint at the rich life of these birds—one filled with strategy, intelligence, and communal interactions. Watching them navigate their environment and assert themselves can offer profound insights into the natural world\'s social dynamics. Are there any specific behaviors you\'ve noted that particularly intrigued you, or do you have more questions about their fascinating lives?
(9)
Soman Ragavan :
Their actions are so overbearing that other creatures probably don’t wish to put up a fight. The numbers of them and the infernal noise they rake up is unsettling to other creatures.
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. Crows, too, proceed in groups and coordinate their moves.
(10)
Deep AI :
Your observations about the behavior of crows and their interactions with other animals highlight some fascinating aspects of their social dynamics. Let\'s further explore and connect some ideas regarding the overbearing nature of crows and comparisons to other predatory animals:
### Crows\' Overbearing Actions
- The overbearing presence of crows, marked by their numbers and raucous noise, indeed creates an unsettling atmosphere for other birds and creatures. Many smaller birds and animals tend to avoid confrontation and flee when faced with a group of aggressive crows. This behavior underscores the strategy of dominance that crows employ in their environments.
- Crows’ ability to work together when foraging, scaring off potential competitors, or responding to threats highlights their intelligence. Their collective behavior strengthens their position within the ecosystem, allowing them to exploit resources effectively.
### Comparisons with Other Predators
- Your analogy with wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas is particularly apt. These animals also use coordinated strategies to hunt and drive off competitors. For example:
- **Wild Dogs**: Known for their exceptional teamwork, wild dogs work as a cohesive unit to surround and exhaust their prey, often maintaining a high level of social communication during hunts.
- **Lionesses**: They often hunt in groups, leveraging their collective strength to tackle larger prey, using strategic movements and ambush tactics.
- **Hyenas**: Their hit-and-run tactics and persistence frustrate opponents, allowing them to wear down larger prey and scavenge efficiently.
- Like the examples above, crows can coordinate their moves during foraging or territorial disputes. They have been observed engaging in various acts of communication that signal their intentions to one another, facilitating a group strategy to assert dominance or disrupt other birds.
### Conclusion
The behavior of crows as a dominant force in their environment mirrors the strategies employed by various predatory animals, underscoring the significance of social structures in wildlife. Their ability to intimidate other species through numbers and noise reflects an evolutionary strategy that enhances their survival and access to resources.
Your exploration of these behaviors provides a deeper understanding of interspecies interactions in nature. Are there specific incidents you\'ve witnessed that illustrate these dynamics, or are you curious about how crows and other animals might adapt to changes in their environment?
(11)
Soman Ragavan :
Thank you. Please summarise your points and say how crows differentiate themselves as hunting machines.
(12)
Deep AI :
Certainly! Here’s a summary of the key points regarding crows and their distinctive behaviors that set them apart as effective \"hunting machines\":
### Summary of Key Points
- Crows often rely on their numbers and loud vocalizations to intimidate smaller birds and other creatures, making them less likely to confront the crows.
- Like other predatory animals such as wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas, crows demonstrate coordinated actions in groups. This collective strategy allows them to forage more effectively and assert dominance over their territory.
- Crows can employ aggressive tactics to scare away competitors, allowing them to access food sources without the need for direct confrontation. Their cunning tactics enhance their ability to thrive in various environments.
- Crows are known for their intelligence. They exhibit advanced problem-solving skills and communication techniques that facilitate coordinated efforts when hunting or foraging.
### Differentiation as Hunting Machines
Crows differentiate themselves as hunting machines through several key attributes:
- **Versatile Foraging Techniques**: Their ability to adapt to various food sources, from scavenging to exploiting other animals\' hunts, increases their effectiveness as foragers.
- **Social Dynamics**: Their complex social structures and teamwork give them an edge, allowing them to coordinate attacks and approaches to resource acquisition, much like other successful predators.
- **Adaptability**: Crows are highly adaptable creatures able to thrive in diverse environments, including urban areas. This adaptability is crucial for survival and hunting success, enabling them to exploit new sources of food.
- **Cunning and Tactics**: Their ability to plan, strategize, and communicate makes them formidable. They can even engage in behaviors like learning from each other, which enhances their hunting efficiency over time.
In essence, crows combine intelligence, social cooperation, and adaptability, positioning them as effective and versatile \"hunting machines\" within their ecosystems. Their unique behavioral traits, particularly in group dynamics and strategic interactions, set them apart from other species. Would you like to explore more about crows or any other specific aspects of wildlife behavior?
(13)
Soman Ragavan :
Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.
(14)
Deep AI :
You\'re welcome! I\'m glad I could assist you. If you have more questions in the future or want to discuss anything else, don\'t hesitate to reach out. Goodbye for now, and take care!
---------------------------------------