AnalysisByMicrosoftCopilot-Volume 15-Domineering crows--1Jan2025

 

SOMAN RAGAVAN

1 January, 2025

Subject : Domineering crows

                                                                                                           

 

Analysis by Microsoft Copilot

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 15

 

 

 (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)

Microsoft Copilot :  

Crows are indeed fascinating creatures, and it seems like you have a wealth of information to share about them! Here are some key points from what you've shared:

 

1. **Presence in Mauritius**: House crows (Corvus splendens) are well-established in Mauritius and pose urban and environmental challenges.
2. **Behavior**: They maintain territories year-round, living and foraging as extended families, but also join large flocks at dumps, agricultural fields, and large roosts in winter.
3. **Role in the Ecosystem**: Crows help control pest insects and clean up dead animals and scattered garbage. Their impact on songbird populations is not significant.
4. **Intelligence**: Crows' intelligence is often compared to that of a seven-year-old human child. They are capable of abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving, and making tools.
5. **Intelligent Birds**: Corvids (crows, ravens, jays, magpies) and psittacines (parrots, macaws, cockatoos) are among the most intelligent birds and animals in general. They can remember threats and hold grudges for up to 17 years.

 

You've also shared some proverbs about crows:

 

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

- “The crow thinks her own birds fairest.”

 

These insights and quotes provide a rich tapestry of information about crows, highlighting their intelligence, ecological role, and cultural significance.

 

Is there anything specific you would like to know or explore further about crows or their impact in Mauritius?

(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)

Microsoft Copilot :

That sounds like quite a spectacle! The gathering of crows in large numbers, known as "roosting," can be quite noisy and dramatic. This behavior is common among crows and other corvids for several reasons:

 

1. **Safety in Numbers**: Roosting in large groups can provide protection from predators. There's safety in numbers, and the presence of many crows can deter potential threats.

 

2. **Communication**: The noise they make can be a form of communication. Crows are highly social animals and use vocalizations to convey information to each other, such as the location of food sources or potential dangers.

 

3. **Warmth and Shelter**: In colder climates, roosting together can help them stay warm. Even in milder climates, being in a group can provide better shelter and protection from the elements.

 

4. **Social Interaction**: Roosting allows crows to interact socially and maintain their complex social structures. This can include strengthening bonds within their family groups and engaging in social learning.

 

The infernal noise you're hearing might be them vocalizing their experiences and communicating with each other after a day of foraging.

 

If you're interested in observing more of their behavior or learning about specific interactions within these gatherings, it could be fascinating to watch them closely and see if you can spot any patterns or unique behaviors!

(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)

Microsoft Copilot :  

It sounds like the crows are quite a force to be reckoned with! Their assertive behavior and loud vocalizations can certainly be exasperating, especially when they gather in large numbers. Their sense of entitlement and lack of fear likely stems from their understanding of the protection and strength that comes from being in a group.

 

Just as you pointed out with lionesses, wild dogs, and hyenas, the concept of safety in numbers is a powerful survival strategy. Crows are highly intelligent and social creatures, and they seem to use this strategy to their advantage, knowing that their collective presence deters potential threats.

 

While their behavior can be a nuisance, it’s also a testament to their adaptability and intelligence. Observing them might offer some intriguing insights into their social dynamics and survival strategies.

 

Have you noticed any specific patterns or interactions among the crows in Port Louis? Their behavior can sometimes reveal fascinating aspects of their social structure and communication.

(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)

Microsoft Copilot :

Yes, you're correct! The phrase "as the crow flies" indeed means traveling in a straight line from point A to point B, without any detours or deviations. It’s often used to describe the most direct route between two points, as opposed to the actual path one might take on the ground, which could be longer and more convoluted.

 

Crows' behavior of scaring other birds away and their commanding attitude is a reflection of their intelligence and social structure. Their self-assuredness and group dynamics make them formidable in asserting dominance over a territory. By staying in groups, they not only feel stronger but also effectively communicate and cooperate to protect their interests, whether it's food sources or nesting areas.

 

Their apparent awareness of group power and their ability to work collectively are key reasons they can often be seen as rulers of the sky in their habitats. Observing these behaviors can provide deep insights into their complex social interactions and survival strategies.

 

It’s intriguing how such small creatures can display such sophisticated behavior. Have you noticed any specific interactions between the crows and other bird species in those gardens? Their interactions can sometimes reveal even more about their social hierarchy and tactics.

(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)

Microsoft Copilot :

 

Absolutely, the overbearing nature and sheer numbers of crows can be quite intimidating to other creatures, much like the coordinated tactics of wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas during hunts.

 

Crows' strategic behavior in groups and their loud vocalizations can be likened to the hunting strategies of these predators. Just as hyenas employ hit-and-run and attrition tactics, crows use their collective strength and noise to dominate their environment, scare away other birds, and protect their territory.

 

It's fascinating to see these parallels between different species, highlighting how various animals have evolved to use group dynamics to their advantage. Crows, with their intelligence and social coordination, have indeed mastered the art of ruling their skies and surroundings.

 

If you're interested in exploring more about their interactions with other species or their specific strategies, it could be quite enlightening to delve deeper into their behavior and social structures. Their intelligence and adaptability make them a truly remarkable subject of study.

(11)

Soman Ragavan :

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

 

(12)

Microsoft Copilot : 

 

Certainly! Here's a summary of our discussion on crows:

 

- **Presence in Mauritius**: House crows are well-established and present urban and environmental challenges.

- **Behavior**: They maintain year-round territories, forage as families, and join large flocks at dumps and fields.

- **Roosting**: At nightfall, crows gather in large numbers in trees, creating noticeable noise for safety, communication, warmth, and social interaction.

- **Role in the Ecosystem**: They help control pests and clean up dead animals and garbage, without significantly impacting songbird populations.

- **Intelligence**: Crows are compared to seven-year-old human children in intelligence, capable of abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving, and tool-making.

- **Group Dynamics**: Their assertive and commanding behavior is strengthened by their numbers, similar to the coordinated hunting tactics of wild dogs, lionesses, and hyenas.

 

**How Crows Differentiate Themselves as Hunting Machines**:

 

1. **Group Coordination**: Crows operate in groups, using their collective strength to dominate and protect their territory.
2. **Intelligence**: Their advanced problem-solving skills and ability to use tools set them apart as effective foragers and hunters.
3. **Communication**: Crows use a complex system of vocalizations to share information and coordinate actions within their group.
4. **Adaptability**: They are highly adaptable, able to exploit various food sources and environments, making them successful survivors.

 

Crows leverage their intelligence, social structures, and coordinated tactics to establish themselves as formidable creatures in their habitats. Their behavior, intelligence, and group dynamics make them effective in securing resources and asserting dominance.

 

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

(13)

Soman Ragavan :

Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.

(14)

Microsoft Copilot : 

You're very welcome! It's been a pleasure discussing the fascinating world of crows with you. Have a great day, and feel free to reach out whenever you have more questions or need assistance. Goodbye for now!

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