Whether you’re here with specific questions or a general interest, you’re in the right place to learn the science behind one of the globe’s most charismatic and influential groups of birds. I created this blog in 2012 when I was just starting as a graduate student at the University of Washington as a platform to share my own research on crow “funerals” and to answer questions I was regularly fielding from the public. Since that time, my title and area of research has changed, but my passion for corvids and commitment to science communication remains immutable. I hope that by educating the public about these magnificent birds people will not only view them more compassionately, but will appreciate what a valuable connection to the natural world they provide.
No matter your feelings for them, nearly everyone has a story about crows, ravens, jays or magpies—even those people who otherwise feel quite separated from nature. This connection is not recent one; you need look no further than the religious texts and creations stories of cultures around the world to appreciate our historical fascination with these animals. The fact that some of them are conspicuous and thrive in human dominated environments means that corvids are uniquely accessible animals that offer a wealth of opportunities to connect people of all interests and backgrounds to the natural world. With over half the world’s population living in cities, this kind of accessible connection is more important than ever. So go watch them play, problem solve, bond with their families, cause mischief, inspire mythology, and watch you right back. The questions and stories these observations provide will always be welcome here, and I do my best to answer each message within a few days. So go learn, and let me know what information you’re still hungry for. Welcome to the Corvid Research blog!
corvidresearch.blog 
Hi, my name is Abbey and I listened to the Ologies episode you were in with Alie Ward, and I’m just wondering if you could help me out with a little problem. I have a stray cat that I adopted and she’s outdoor, because she was feral, and I think she pissed off some crows because now she’s being dive bombed by the same two over and over again. They pin her in places and caw all day long. I’m sure she did something to them to get them to act this way, but I’m at a loss. My neighbor is a sociology professor up at the local college and it’s getting to the point where she cannot get any work done because of the noise.. any ideas?
Cats can absolutely be trained for indoor life. It’s safer for her, the birds and will address the noise issue!
Interested in everything Corvid
Thank you for having this site accessable. I live in the middle of the San Luis Valley and never before have I seen Crows this big, some as big as chickens. I saw a small group of Crows flying about a year ago and one of them suddenly tucked his wings in and rolled halfway over so it was falling upside-down then it half rolled back spreading it’s wings out, flapped it’s wings twice and did another half roll wings tucked three more times. I have never in my life seen anything like that until about 4 months ago 4 Crows were flying spread out wing to wing about 20 yards apart maybe 30 yards away from me as they passed by then the one on the end closest to me broke off and flew towards me then did those half rolls going over me making a cooing sound almost like a pigeon flying directly over me then took off back with the others! I do caw at the Crows regularly, I love it when they fly slowly over me like hovering and the should is somewhat like a helicopter in slow motion in the movies. My name is Raymond Orin Sandoval, thank you for taking the time to read this.
Hi Raymond, given you description it possible you’re seeing ravens not crows. If you ever get photos you’re welcome to email them to me for ID!
We keep a small flock of backyard chickens. We started with 12. Red Shoulder hawks are a nuisance and had started to attack and eat the chickens. I noticed that often crows would give chase and harass the hawks. I started putting some small nuts and some leftover scraps on top of the flat chicken house roof. If there was a hawk chase or even nearby screeching, I would often put more to encourage their presence. Now I have a group of 3 to 4 crows playing body guards to my chickens and haven’t had an incident in months.
I hear this all the time! Glad it’s working for you
Dear Corvid Research:
I need advice on how to move the American Crows feeding area thirty-yards. Is there a special way, because I tried one time before and it didn’t work.
Thank you
No special way. Stop feeding them where you don’t want them to be. Restart in the new spot after a couple weeks
Hi Dr. Swift. I’m not sure if this website is still live or not; but I’ll ask my question anyway. I have a crow friend that would come to my balcony for a treat for over a year. I haven’t seen her/him in several weeks now. Is it possible that s/he went to live with another murder or group?
There are two others that I started giving treats to also…but I hope that did not discourage the original crow friend from coming.
This is the longest I’ve gone without seeing her/him.
Thank you for any insight.
Hi Pam, given the timing it might just be a breeding female that’s occupied on the nest. It’s possible it was a younger crow that has dispersed but I’d hold out hope it’s just busy nesting until August!
Hi!
I’ve recently befriended some crows at the NOAA campus in Seattle and I am going to be attending UW this fall in the environmental studies program. I’m currently listening to the ologies podcast episode about crow funerals and how you studied their facial recognition abilities while at the UW. I didn’t think studying crow and Corvid behavior was a possibility for me but it’s something I’m very interested in. Please let me know if you know anyone at the university that I can talk to about this. Names, emails, courses, anything would help. Thank you!
Hi Deja, unfortunately the main crow researcher at UW (John Marzluff) is retiring this year. The Ha lab in the psych department sometimes does behavioral work with crows. No specific classes on them or anything, but look up Jim and Renee Ha and see what’s going on in their lab! I would also recommend looking into the ESRM program, as that’s a better fit if you’re interested in wildlife studies. Good luck!
I have been feeding the “FRIENDS” (my name for all crows) for more than 2 decades. I have no heirs and am looking to leave my somewhat modest ($500,000) estate to the improved research and possibly a sanctuary for my FRIENDS. I would appreciate your input. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Brenda
Hi Brenda, donating your estate is a great way to help wildlife. I would look into local land trust agencies in your state and contact a lawyer to further explore this option.
Hi Dr. Swift,
I apologize in advance for the length of this question. I befriended our local murder of American Crows about a year and a half ago. Yesterday, I had two crows perch fairly close to me (closer than normal) and one had a twig in its beak. I was confused because we already went through nesting season. Sure enough, we went on a walk a couple hours later and we found a dead crow about two blocks from our house. I remember I saw one or your TikToks about finding a kill spot or body, so I purely observed the body and did not touch it. They were guarding it, but were eerily silent while I was observing it. I did pause and read your material after returning home and of course realized what the twig was all about. They cawed loudly and there were double the number in the usual flock throughout the day and into the evening. I drove by the body today and there are no guards. Is the funeral over? What should I do/definitely not do? Thank you!
I am wondering about a large group of crows that I’ve noticed recently take over a hotel that is being built on Longboat Key, Florida. They arrived about 2 weeks ago and last year at this time the hotel wasn’t built yet- just a few derelict low buildings and a lot of vegetation. Could this have been there stop on migration? They seem very vocal, maybe angry about more urban sprawl?
Hi Laurie, in my experience crows are very attracted to construction sites. I think the disturbance prompts a flush of new food as insects are pushed around and lunchtime leftovers are tossed here and there. The novelty of it may also be appealing for its own reasons.