According to scientists, crows are extraordinarily intelligent birds capable of recognizing human faces, crafting tools, and solving complex problems. Typically, crows are viewed merely as common, noisy, or scavenging birds. Some even interpret their calls as ominous signs. However, science recognizes crows as among the smartest birds in the world. They do not survive solely by scavenging; crows remember human faces, get angry, create tools, solve problems, and even exchange information with their companions. Their habit of gathering around deceased companions in what appears to be mourning rituals has amazed researchers.
Experts suggest that the cognitive abilities of crows can, in some cases, rival those of primates. From rural villages in Nepal to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, crows have adapted easily to their environments. They are found everywhere—from garbage heaps and riverbanks to farms, temples, and city power lines. Wildlife photographer Rajesh Dhungana describes crows as one of the world’s most adaptable bird species. They quickly assess new situations and adopt innovative methods for finding food. A study conducted in Japan demonstrated that crows place walnuts on roads and wait for cars to drive over them, then safely retrieve the cracked nuts when traffic lights turn red.
Crows have also been proven to make their own tools, a behavior that has astonished scientists. They have shown the ability to raise water levels by dropping stones into containers to access floating food, demonstrating an understanding of cause and effect. The so-called “mourning gatherings” occur when crows assemble around a dead member, seemingly to investigate. Perhaps the most striking and intriguing ability of crows is their capacity to remember human faces. A study in the United States revealed that crows start cawing as soon as they see a specific mask, indicating not only memory but the sharing of social information among crows.
In Nepal, crows hold a special cultural significance. On the first day of Tihar, known as “Kag Tihar,” crows are worshipped and offered food. Even in busy cities like Kathmandu, crows have adapted seamlessly. They play essential environmental roles by cleaning up waste, consuming dead animals, controlling insect populations, and helping maintain a cleaner environment. Their intelligence and adaptability truly set crows apart as remarkable birds.
