Curious Cases Clever Crows
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Jul 4, 2025 Nicola Clayton, a Professor of Comparative Cognition at the University of Cambridge, joins to debunk the notion that crows are 'bird brains.' She shares fascinating insights into the emotional complexity and problem-solving skills of these avian intellects, which rival that of an 8-year-old child. Listeners hear about the playful interactions of a raven named Bran, and the surprising similarities between crow and human intelligence despite their brain differences. The episode also highlights the dynamics of crow society, revealing their remarkable capacity for empathy and communication.
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Crows' Theory of Mind
- Crows possess a form of theory of mind; they anticipate what others know about their food caches.
- Experienced crows move caches if watched by potential thieves, showing sophisticated social cognition.
Bran Finds Hidden Stone
- Raven Bran shows remarkable memory by immediately finding a hidden stone in a room.
- His behavior resembles that of a curious pet exploring an environment.
Seattle Crows Give Gifts
- Seattle crow Gabby Mann received thoughtful gifts from crows, including a lens cap returned after being lost.
- These acts appeared as kindness, showing crows’ social awareness though possibly motivated by curiosity.