Why it Sucks To Be Born As a Crow

Summary

This video follows the life of a crow, from birth in a humble tree nest to becoming an independent and intelligent member of a 'murder.' Through trial and error, the crow learns survival skills, from flying to foraging and avoiding predators. The crow builds a nest, raises chicks, and navigates the complex social dynamics of the murder. Despite the challenges and dangers, including a fatal encounter with a hawk, the crow's legacy lives on as the murder takes revenge on the human they believe is responsible. It’s a powerful tale of survival, intelligence, and community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crows are born in a basic nest made of sticks, where their survival depends on the care and feeding from their parents.
• 😀 A crow's first lessons in life include learning how to fly, hunt for food, and avoid predators, all of which are challenging at first.
• 😀 Crows are highly intelligent, learning by observing older crows and copying their behaviors, such as finding food and cracking nuts.
• 😀 The concept of 'the murder' (a group of crows) is central to their social structure, where safety, foraging, and alerting each other about predators are key.
• 😀 As young crows grow, they transition from relying on their parents to becoming more independent, exploring new territories and learning to forage solo.
• 😀 Crows are fast learners, figuring out human behaviors and taking advantage of food scraps, while also memorizing faces for future encounters.
• 😀 The importance of cooperation within the murder is evident during foraging and dealing with predators, where numbers provide safety and opportunities.
• 😀 Crows' ability to react quickly to danger, such as being chased by a fox, is a survival tactic honed over time with the help of their group.
• 😀 As adult crows, finding a mate and raising young is a team effort, with both parents contributing to the care and protection of the nest and chicks.
• 😀 Life as a crow is a balance of cleverness, survival instincts, and staying ahead of dangers, including predators and sometimes hostile humans.
• 😀 Crows have a deep sense of memory and vengeance, as shown when they avenge a fallen member by harassing the human they perceive as responsible.

Q & A

What is the first challenge the crow faces after birth?

The first challenge the crow faces is the crowded and competitive environment of the nest, where it has to squawk louder than its siblings to get food.

How does the crow's diet evolve as it grows?

Initially, the crow is fed soft, pre-digested food by its parents. As it grows, the diet expands to include solid foods such as worms, beetles, and other insects.

What is the crow's first attempt at flying like?

The crow's first attempt at flying is unsuccessful, resulting in a belly flop onto a lower branch and then a fall to the ground, where it has to try again.

How does the crow learn to fly?

The crow learns to fly through trial and error, starting with awkward flights that result in crashes. Over time, with persistence, it begins to stay airborne.

What are the crow's main challenges after learning to fly?

After learning to fly, the crow faces challenges such as avoiding predators like hawks, learning to find food on the ground, and keeping up with its family during flight.

How does the crow's intelligence play a role in its survival?

The crow's intelligence allows it to observe and imitate older crows, which helps it learn how to find food, avoid predators, and interact socially with others in the murder.

What is the crow's experience with humans?

The crow learns to scavenge from humans, sometimes being offered food, but it also learns to avoid hostile humans who try to shoo it away. It can even remember faces and take revenge on unkind humans.

What is the role of the 'murder' in the crow's life?

The 'murder' refers to the crow's extended family and social group. It provides safety in numbers, with members helping each other find food and defend against predators through coordinated efforts.

How does the crow react when it faces a predator like a fox?

When confronted by a fox, the crow uses its speed to escape to a branch, then calls for help. The murder of crows arrives to mob the fox and drive it away.

How does the crow go about finding a mate?

The crow impresses potential mates through aerial acrobatics, confident calls, and mutual grooming. Once a mate is chosen, they work together to build a nest and care for their eggs.