SOMAN RAGAVAN
1 January, 2025
Subject : Domineering crows
Analysis by Perplexity AI
(Artificial Intelligence)
Volume 20
(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
(2)
Perplexity AI :
Crows, particularly the **House Crow** (*Corvus splendens*), have established a significant presence in Mauritius, leading to various urban and environmental challenges. Here’s an overview of their characteristics, behaviors, and impacts.
## Overview of House Crows in Mauritius
### **Characteristics**
- The House Crow is a medium-sized bird, approximately 40 cm in length, with a distinctive appearance featuring a glossy black head and throat, contrasted by a grey-brown neck and breast. Its wings and tail are also black[1].
- This species is highly adaptable, thriving in urban environments where it often forages for food in markets and garbage dumps[1][3].
### **Behavioral Patterns**
- House Crows maintain year-round territories with extended family groups, but they often leave these areas to join larger flocks at dumps or agricultural fields, particularly during winter[2].
- They are known for their intelligence, comparable to that of a seven-year-old child. Crows exhibit advanced problem-solving skills, tool-making abilities, and complex social interactions[2][4].
### **Ecological Role**
- Crows play a crucial role in pest control and waste management by scavenging on dead animals and garbage. However, they also prey on smaller birds, although their impact on songbird populations is generally minimal[2][5].
- Their intelligence allows them to remember past experiences, including threats, for many years, which aids in their survival and adaptability[4].
## Population Control Measures
In Mauritius, the House Crow population has been managed through specific control measures. One effective method has been the use of **Starlicide**, a chemical poison that significantly reduced their numbers. This approach was implemented due to the crows\' invasive nature and the problems they pose within urban settings[7].
## Conclusion
The presence of House Crows in Mauritius highlights both the adaptability of this species to human environments and the challenges they pose. Their intelligence and scavenging habits contribute positively to ecosystem dynamics but also necessitate careful management strategies to mitigate their negative impacts on local wildlife and urban life.
Citations:
[1] https://app.birda.org/species-guide/22639/House_Crow
[2] http://ngc.digitallibrary.co.in/bitstream/123456789/1680/1/249-5-PB.pdf
[3] https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/8031-Corvus-splendens
[4] https://archive.org/stream/journalofbombay591962bomb/journalofbombay591962bomb_djvu.txt
[5] https://ebird.org/species/houcro1/MU
[6] https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/76696
[7] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237457289_CONTROL_AND_OR_ERADICATION_OF_INDIAN_CROWS_Corvus_splendens_IN_MAURITIUS
[8] https://www.oiseaux.net/photos/patrick.baude/house.crow.3.html
(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)
Perplexity AI :
In Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, crows are a common sight, particularly in public gardens where they roost in trees. Their behavior at nightfall is notable; they gather in large numbers and create a loud cacophony, which can be quite disruptive.
## Reasons for Nocturnal Noise
While the exact reasons for this behavior are not fully understood, several factors may contribute:
- **Social Interaction**: Crows are highly social birds and use vocalizations to communicate with each other. The noise may serve as a way for them to reinforce social bonds within their groups.
- **Territorial Claims**: The gathering and vocalizations could be a means of establishing territory among competing groups or individuals. This is common behavior among many bird species.
- **Safety in Numbers**: By congregating in large flocks, crows may feel safer from predators during the night. The noise could also serve as a warning system against potential threats.
## Impact on Local Environment
The presence of House Crows in urban areas like Port Louis has raised concerns due to their invasive nature. They have been known to impact local wildlife negatively, particularly the endangered Mauritius Fody, by preying on their eggs and chicks[1][3].
In summary, the loud noises made by crows at dusk in Port Louis likely stem from their social nature and behaviors related to territory and safety. Their increasing population poses challenges for local biodiversity, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management efforts.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/mwf-files/files/files/2024%2003%2005%20Mauritian%20Wildlife%20Foundation%20Annual%20Report%202022%20Final.pdf
[2] https://abadguide.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/two-crows/
[3] https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/mwf-files/files/files/Mauritian%20Wildlife%20Foundation%20Annual%20Report%202022%20VF.pdf
[4] https://picturebirdai.com/region/Mauritius-Port-Louis.html
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237770889_Seafaring_behaviour_in_House_Crows_Corvus_splendens_-_a_precursor_to_ship-assisted_dispersal
[6] https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.15463
[7] https://www.academia.edu/3126689/Seafaring_behaviour_in_House_Crows_Corvus_splendens_a_precursor_to_ship_assisted_dispersal
[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287557418_Further_records_and_updates_of_range_extension_in_House_Crow_Corvus_splendens
(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)
Perplexity AI :
Crows in Port Louis exhibit intriguing yet exasperating behaviors, particularly their loud vocalizations at night. This behavior can be attributed to several factors related to their social dynamics and territorial instincts.
## Behavior and Social Dynamics
- **Nocturnal Gathering**: At dusk, crows return to their roosts in trees, often gathering in large numbers. Their loud calls may serve multiple purposes, including reinforcing social bonds and establishing territory among competing groups. This behavior is reminiscent of other social animals that recognize the strength in numbers for protection and dominance.
- **Domineering Attitude**: Crows are known for their assertive behavior. They often form small groups that travel together, displaying a tendency to intimidate other birds. When they swoop down on smaller avian species, it is typically to assert dominance over feeding areas or to claim territory, albeit temporarily.
- **Recognition**: House Crows can be easily identified by their completely dark plumage and raucous cries. In contrast, the **Myna**, a common bird in the region, has a brownish-black body with bright yellow beak and feet, making it visually distinct from the crows.
## Ecological Impact
The presence of House Crows in urban environments like Port Louis poses challenges for local wildlife. Their aggressive feeding habits can lead to the predation of other birds\' eggs and chicks, contributing to the decline of native species. Additionally, their loud calls can disrupt human activities and contribute to noise pollution.
In summary, the behavior of crows in Port Louis reflects their complex social structure and adaptability to urban life. Their assertiveness and vocalizations not only highlight their intelligence but also underscore the ecological challenges they present in Mauritius.
Citations:
[1] https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=4b9f3df472ecd6a7af5c6ddd0a6e7501366aba97
[2] https://animalia.bio/house-crow
[3] https://www.worldwidejournals.com/indian-journal-of-applied-research-(IJAR)/recent_issues_pdf/2015/February/February_2015_1422884301__212.pdf
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237457289_CONTROL_AND_OR_ERADICATION_OF_INDIAN_CROWS_Corvus_splendens_IN_MAURITIUS
[5] https://prr.hec.gov.pk/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5579/1/2337.pdf
[6] https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.15463
(7)
Soman Ragavan :
(b)
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.
(8)
Perplexity AI :
Crows exhibit fascinating social behaviors that reflect their intelligence and adaptability, particularly in urban environments like Port Louis, Mauritius.
## Social Structure and Behavior
### **Group Dynamics**
- Crows often display a commanding attitude, especially when gathered in groups. This collective presence enhances their confidence and assertiveness, allowing them to dominate feeding areas and intimidate other bird species. Their behavior suggests a strong awareness of their group power, similar to that observed in other social predators like wild dogs or lionesses, which coordinate their movements during hunts.
### **Territoriality and Coordination**
- When crows arrive at a location, they are known to engage in behaviors aimed at scaring away other birds. This can involve loud vocalizations and aggressive posturing, reflecting their self-assured nature. Their coordinated movements can be likened to the tactics employed by hyenas, which use hit-and-run strategies to exhaust their prey.
### **Recognition of Strength in Numbers**
- The phrase \"safety in numbers\" is particularly relevant for crows. Their social structure allows them to act collectively, which not only aids in foraging but also provides protection from potential threats. This group behavior is essential for their survival and dominance in various habitats.
## Ecological Impact
The assertiveness and social dynamics of crows have significant ecological implications. Their ability to outcompete native species for resources can lead to declines in local bird populations. Their omnivorous diet allows them to thrive in diverse environments, but it also means they can negatively impact agricultural areas by preying on crops and livestock.
In summary, the behaviors of crows in Mauritius illustrate their complex social structures and adaptability. Their commanding presence and coordinated tactics not only highlight their intelligence but also raise concerns about their impact on local ecosystems.
Citations:
[1] https://animalia.bio/house-crow
[2] https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=4b9f3df472ecd6a7af5c6ddd0a6e7501366aba97
[3] https://www.worldwidejournals.com/indian-journal-of-applied-research-(IJAR)/recent_issues_pdf/2015/February/February_2015_1422884301__212.pdf
[4] https://circabc.europa.eu/rest/download/017feba7-e4aa-4348-a48b-4f7ed08c7776
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237457289_CONTROL_AND_OR_ERADICATION_OF_INDIAN_CROWS_Corvus_splendens_IN_MAURITIUS
[6] https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.15463
(11)
Soman Ragavan :
This chat is ending due to chat limits. Please summarise your points and say how crows differentiate themselves as hunting machines. Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.
(12)
Perplexity AI :
Crows, particularly the House Crow (*Corvus splendens*), differentiate themselves as effective hunting machines through their intelligence, adaptability, and social behaviors. Here’s a summary of key points highlighting their hunting capabilities:
## Summary of Crows as Hunting Machines
### **Intelligence and Problem-Solving**
- Crows are among the most intelligent birds, capable of complex problem-solving and tool use. Their cognitive abilities allow them to adapt their hunting strategies based on environmental conditions and available resources[1][3].
### **Adaptability in Diet**
- As omnivores, crows have a diverse diet that includes grains, fruits, insects, and even small animals. They are not only scavengers but also proficient hunters, capable of raiding nests for eggs and chicks, catching small mammals, and fishing in shallow waters[1][5]. This adaptability enhances their survival in various habitats.
### **Social Hunting Tactics**
- Crows often hunt in groups, which increases their efficiency and effectiveness. Similar to wild dogs and hyenas, they coordinate their movements to intimidate other birds and claim territory or food sources. This collective behavior is crucial for their success as hunters[2][3].
### **Territorial Behavior**
- During breeding seasons, crows exhibit strong territoriality, aggressively defending their nests from intruders. Their vocalizations serve both as communication within the group and as warnings to potential threats[3][4].
### **Vocal Communication**
- Crows utilize a variety of calls to communicate with each other. Their ability to alert fellow crows about dangers or food sources showcases their sophisticated social structure and enhances their hunting efficiency[2][4].
In conclusion, crows stand out as formidable hunters due to their intelligence, adaptability, social dynamics, and effective communication. These traits not only enable them to thrive in diverse environments but also position them as dominant players in the ecosystems they inhabit. Thank you for the engaging discussion about these remarkable birds! Goodbye for now.
Citations:
[1] https://besgroup.org/2010/09/24/house-crows-fishing/
[2] https://unionsportsmen.org/crow-hunting-tactics/
[3] https://wildlifevagabond.com/wildlife/birds/passerines/corvids/crows-and-ravens/house-crow/
[4] https://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/crowfaq.htm
[5] https://icwdm.org/species/birds/crows/crow-biology/
[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362841636_Some_aspects_of_feeding_ecology_and_behavior_of_House_crow_Corvus_splendens_in_an_urban_habitat_of_city_Prayagraj_UP_India
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