The Surprising Intelligence of Crows: How Birds Outsmart Mammals

 In the animal kingdom, intelligence manifests in many forms, with certain species, especially mammals, often regarded as the smartest. Primates are known for their ability to use tools and self-recognition, while orcas and dogs showcase complex social intelligence and emotional sensitivity. However, one of the most intelligent creatures might come as a surprise—a bird, not a mammal: the crow. Crows, and other members of the corvid family, are known for their playful nature and extraordinary intelligence. They use tools, solve complex problems, mimic sounds, and even hold grudges. Some studies suggest that their problem-solving skills rival those of a 7-year-old human child.

But what makes crows so intelligent, and how is their intelligence measured? Is it the same as that of mammals, or is it something unique to birds? The corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies, exhibits varying levels of intelligence, but the New Caledonian crow stands out as the most intelligent. In a 2014 study, these crows demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills when presented with a series of tasks involving water-filled tubes. They figured out how to raise the water level with rocks to retrieve treats, an ability that closely mirrors the problem-solving abilities of a human child between the ages of five and seven.

Not only do crows use tools, but they also build them, including multi-part tools to access food from puzzle boxes. This skill is rare in the animal kingdom, observed only in a few great apes. In addition, crows have demonstrated a remarkable ability to plan for the future—an advanced cognitive skill that many humans struggle with, particularly when it comes to delayed gratification. In several studies, crows were able to choose the right tools for a task and delay immediate rewards in favor of better ones later, showcasing their ability to think ahead.

Interestingly, the structure of crow brains differs significantly from that of mammals. While they lack a cerebral cortex, crows have a highly organized pallium, which allows them to perform complex cognitive tasks. Their brains may be smaller than those of primates, but they have a higher density of neurons, which contributes to their impressive problem-solving abilities. This raises the question: why did crows evolve such intelligence? One theory is that the extended care they receive from their parents during their formative years helps them develop these advanced cognitive skills. Unlike many other species, crows spend up to two years with their parents, learning how to make and use tools.

Despite their intelligence, crows do not live in complex social groups like other highly intelligent animals, such as chimpanzees or dolphins. However, they do form tight-knit juvenile gangs that engage in social interactions, and they are known to cooperate with other species, such as wolves, to scavenge for food. This suggests that crows' intelligence may stem from a need to interact with other animals outside their species, further demonstrating their adaptability and complex social behavior.

By studying the intelligence of crows, scientists are gaining valuable insights into brain function and development, shedding light on how intelligence evolves across species. In the future, crows may even help with tasks like cleaning up the environment, as experiments have shown that they can be trained to pick up trash. This collaboration between humans and crows could offer a unique opportunity to harness their cognitive abilities for the greater good.

The intelligence of crows not only challenges our understanding of animal cognition but also highlights the incredible complexity of the brain, inviting us to reconsider the limits of intelligence in the animal kingdom.