Curious Cases Clever Crows
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hannah's Crow Friendship Quest
- Hannah Fry tried befriending crows by feeding them on a heath but noticed their reactions depend on her food supply and behavior.
- Crows show emotional depth and social complexity beyond typical birds, sometimes forming court-like gatherings to punish misconduct.
Crows as Feathered Apes
- Corvids have cognitive abilities comparable to great apes, earning them the title 'feathered apes'.
- Their brains are smaller but proportionally as large as chimpanzees, supporting complex behaviors like tool use.
Crows Outperform Children
- Corvids like jays solve water displacement problems faster than children under eight.
- They intuitively grasp physical principles such as Archimedes' principle to access food rewards.