33 Crow Facts: Intelligence, Behavior, Myths, & Science

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer—Reviewed for accuracy by the FactRetriever editorial team

Published October 16, 2023Updated November 30, 2024

Crows are among the most intelligent and adaptable birds in the world. Known for their problem-solving abilities, complex social behavior, and deep presence in human mythology, crows continue to fascinate scientists and casual observers alike.

Crow Intelligence Facts

Crows can make and use tools
Crows are one of the few animals known to create and use tools, including shaping sticks and crafting leaf “cups” to carry water. This ability places them among the most intelligent non-human species._[6]
Crows can solve complex puzzles
Studies show that crows can complete multi-step puzzles and demonstrate problem-solving abilities comparable to a seven-year-old child. Their intelligence allows them to adapt quickly to new challenges._[2]

Crows can remember the faces of humans and even other birds

Crows remember human faces and hold grudges.
Crows can recognize individual human faces and remember them for years, especially if they associate a person with danger. They can also pass this information to other crows._[5]
Crows can read traffic lights.
In urban environments, crows have learned to drop walnuts onto roads and wait for cars to crack them open. They retrieve the nuts safely when traffic stops at red lights._[17]
Crows have unusually large brains for their size
Crows belong to the corvidae family, which also includes ravens, rooks, jays, magpies, jackdaws, nutcrackers, treepies, and choughs. Corvids have the largest brain-to-body size ratio of any bird species, which helps explain their advanced learning and memory skills._[16]
Crow Behavior and Social Life

Crows gather in massive communal roosts
During the winter, crows congregate to sleep in communal roosts, numbering from a few hundred birds to two million. Some roosts have been forming for over 100 years._[6]

The term "murder" is mostly based on folk tales and superstition

A group of crows is called a "murder."
The term “murder of crows” comes from folklore and superstition rather than science. Despite its dark tone, the name reflects cultural myths rather than crow behavior._[17]
Crows have over 250 different calls.
Crows use a wide range of calls, caws, and croaks to communicate. Their vocalizations can vary by region, creating what scientists consider local dialects._[17]
Crows will "mob" larger predators
When threatened, crows will aggressively harass predators, such as owls and hawks, and will call in other crows to join the attack._[10]
Crows can mimic sounds
Crows have a complex communication system and make a wide range of calls, caws, and croaks. They can mimic the sounds of other animals, and they even have their own dialects._[14]
Do Crows Hold Funerals?

Crows gather around their dead
Crows are often seen gathering silently around a dead crow, a behavior that appears similar to a funeral. These gatherings may last several minutes._[3]
Crow funerals may be a form of danger learning
Researchers believe these gatherings help crows learn about potential dangers in their environment. By observing death, they may avoid similar threats in the future._[3]
Crow Mating, Family Life, and Play
Crows mate for life; or at least they are "monogamish"
Crows form long-term pair bonds, although genetic studies show occasional mating outside the pair. Scientists describe this as being socially monogamous but genetically flexible._[17]
Young crows help raise siblings
In many crow families, offspring remain with their parents for years and help care for younger siblings. This cooperative behavior strengthens family groups._[15]
Crows enjoy play and pranks
Crows have been observed sliding down roofs, teasing other animals, and playing games. Scientists believe play is closely linked to intelligence and learning._[13]
Crow Diet and Survival Skills
Crows know which foods spoil first
Crows know that certain foods rot before other types of food, and so they will eat pieces of meat first and then store foods that don't spoil as quickly, such as nuts and bread._[17]
Crows cache food for later use
Crows frequently hide food in multiple locations to eat later. This behavior requires memory and planning._[11]
Crows cannot break through even thick skin
Though they have large bills, crows are not able to break through even thin skin. They must either wait for something else to open a carcass first or for the carcass to become tender through decomposition._[6]
How Long Do Crows Live

Wild crows live around 20 years
In the wild, crows typically live about two decades, although many do not survive to adulthood due to predators and environmental hazards._[17]
Captive crows can live much longer
Crows in captivity often live far longer than wild crows. The oldest known captive crow lived to be 59 years old._[1]
Crows symbolize death and rebirth
Crows are deeply embedded in human culture and myth. Crows symbolize death, danger, and illness while also paradoxically symbolizing rebirth, loyalty, and intelligence._[7]
Crows appear in Greek mythology
In Greek myth, crows are linked to Apollo and the story of Coronis, which explains why crows are said to have black feathers._[18]
Crows are seen as messengers
Many cultures view crows as messengers between worlds or signs of coming change. These beliefs persist in folklore today._[17]
In scientific classification, there is no difference between crows and ravens._[4]
Crow vs Raven

Crows and ravens belong to the same family
Crows and ravens are both members of the corvidae family, which also includes magpies and jays._[16]
Ravens are larger than crows
Ravens are significantly larger than crows, with heavier bills, wedge-shaped tails, and different flight patterns._[4]
Crows hate hawks, and they will often form large groups to drive away any hawk who enters their territory._[17]
Are Crows Dangerous

Crows are rarely dangerous to humans
Crows generally avoid humans and are not aggressive without cause. Most negative encounters are defensive rather than violent._[8]
Crow aggression usually occurs during nesting season
During spring and early summer, crows may swoop at people who get too close to their nests. This behavior is meant to scare, not injure._[8]
Crows are protected by law in many areas
Inmany countries, including the United States, crows are protected under wildlife laws, making it illegal to harm or harass them._[8]
Quick Crow Facts
What is anting?
Crows show a behavior called "anting," where they rub ants on their feathers. The ants secrete formic acid, which acts as a repellent against parasites and harmful microorganisms._[17]

"Anting" is still a mystery, but most scientists believe that the ants' secretions help control feather mites and other parasites

Crows have lived alongside humans for centuries
Crows thrive in cities and rural areas alike, adapting easily to human environments._[12]
Some crows are white
While most crows are black, there are white crows. They are either albino or another type of genetic mutation._[9]