Ravens and crows - the most intelligent birds in the world (animal documentary in HD)

Summary

The video explores the fascinating world of crows and ravens, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability. It focuses on the behavior of Jackdaws at Halve Castle, where a pair of birds are studied through innovative research methods. Experts like Austa of Bavaria demonstrate the birds' sensitivity to human gaze and their ability to think about others' attention. The documentary also showcases tool-making crows and their problem-solving abilities, offering insights into animal cognition. The narrative emphasizes the deep connections between humans and these remarkable birds, challenging traditional notions of animal intelligence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crows and ravens are known for their intelligence and adaptability, found worldwide in various habitats.
• 😀 Historically, crows were revered for their intelligence, but their image became negative over time, especially in literature and films like Hitchcock's *The Birds*.
• 😀 Jackdaws, unlike many other members of the crow family, are well-liked and have a special place in European culture, especially around Halve Castle.
• 😀 The nesting behaviors of jackdaws at Halve Castle have been documented using a black box camera, providing live insights into their behavior.
• 😀 Jackdaws are monogamous and stay with one partner for life, with a strong bond observed between pairs.
• 😀 Austa of Bavaria, a biologist, has conducted research on jackdaws, showing their ability to understand human attention, particularly through eye contact.
• 😀 Jackdaws are highly sensitive to where others are looking, showcasing an impressive level of awareness of human actions.
• 😀 Research on New Caledonian crows reveals their ability to use tools, a rare behavior once thought to be exclusive to humans.
• 😀 The ability of New Caledonian crows to create tools for specific tasks, such as extracting food, was experimentally confirmed in controlled conditions.
• 😀 The survival of jackdaw chicks is tested by their first flight, with predators and environmental factors, such as water, posing risks during their initial flight attempts.

Q & A

What is the significance of crows and ravens in the script?

Crows and ravens, as members of The Crow family, are highlighted for their adaptability and intelligence. They were once revered in many cultures, but over time, their image shifted negatively, partly due to their association with battlefields and corpses. Hitchcock's film 'The Birds' reinforced their bad reputation.

What makes the Jackdaw a notable exception among the Crow family?

Unlike other members of The Crow family, Jackdaws are well-liked by people. They have a positive reputation, and their breeding places have been preserved over centuries, especially in locations like the Halve Castle.

How does the Jackdaw pair react to the camera in their nest at Halve Castle?

Initially, the Jackdaw pair is suspicious of the unfamiliar camera setup in their nest, but soon they adapt and continue their nest-building activities without being disturbed.

What unique behavior does the Jackdaw display in relation to human eyes?

The Jackdaw is particularly sensitive to human eyes and can discern where a human is looking. This sensitivity is thought to play a role in their ability to understand attention and intentions, which is key to the theory of mind in animals.

How does the Jackdaw demonstrate its ability to perceive human attention?

In an experiment, the Jackdaw observed a researcher’s gaze to determine whether the human was looking at a baited location. The bird only approached the bait when the researcher was not looking, showing that it understood the importance of the human's attention.

What is the focus of Austa of Bavaria's research on Jackdaws?

Austa of Bavaria's research investigates how Jackdaws perceive human attention and whether they can understand others' intentions. She also explores whether these birds have a theory of mind, recognizing what others know or don't know based on their gaze.

What is unique about New Caledonian crows, and how do they use tools?

New Caledonian crows are known for their exceptional tool use. They can not only use tools but also create them, a behavior once thought to be uniquely human. The crows use tools in the wild to obtain food, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving.

How does the crow Betty demonstrate its ability to use tools in the experiment?

In a controlled experiment, Betty the crow successfully manufactures a tool from a piece of wire to retrieve a food reward from a tube. This behavior highlights the crow's ability to invent tools for problem-solving, a key example of their advanced cognitive abilities.

What happens during the Jackdaw’s nesting process at Halve Castle?

The Jackdaw pair at Halve Castle is observed building their nest with materials such as branches, moss, leaves, and even a paper napkin from a nearby cafe. As the nesting progresses, the female cares for the chicks, feeding them while the male contributes food to the female.

What challenges do the Jackdaw chicks face after hatching?

After hatching, the Jackdaw chicks face threats from predators like foxes, martens, and birds of prey. Additionally, the young birds are at risk of drowning during their first flight, although some manage to take flight successfully.