Squad of crows. Corvid birds: description, photo, diet, characteristics and features of species

The Corvidae family includes widespread passerine birds, for example, black and gray crows, rooks, jackdaws, common raven, common and blue magpies. The family consists of more than 120 various kinds birds represented on almost all continents.

Corvids are birds of medium or large size, have a noticeable external resemblance. Many members of the family have black plumage, but there are also brightly colored species. They feed mainly on insects, partly on grains. Large northern species a significant place is occupied by the hunting for eggs and chicks of other birds, the search for carrion and robbery.

The earliest fossil finds of birds with a certain resemblance to corvids and found on the territory of France and Germany date back to the Middle Miocene period, about 17 million years ago. It is believed that the ancestors of modern ravens originally developed in Australasia and then gradually spread across all continents. The taxonomy of corvids is currently under discussion among ornithologists: some scientists believe that the number of species in the family should be significantly increased, while others, on the contrary, should be reduced. For example, the classification of Sibley - Ahlquist (1990), based on a study of DNA hybridization, significantly expanded the family, including in it completely different from the crow larvae (Campephagidae) and birds of paradise(Paradisaeidae), as well as including it in the new Corvida group. Others believe that the family should be limited only to crows, highlighting the rest of the birds in separate families.

A wide variety of endemic species can be found in East Asia and America - 36 and 29, respectively; and about a third of all species belong to a single genus of crows. Earlier, especially in the 19th century after the appearance of the works of Charles Darwin, there was a widespread idea of ​​the evolutionary intellectual development of animal organisms, according to which corvids, due to their ability to learn quickly, were recognized as the most mentally developed birds. Modern biologists reject this theory as untenable.

Some crows are the largest of the passeriformes: the weight of the common crow (Corvus corax) and bronze crow (Corvus crassirostris) can exceed 1.5 kg, and the length is 65 cm. On the other hand, the smallest species, Aphelocoma nana, weighs only about 40 g, and its length is 21.5 cm. The build is dense. The legs are strong and well adapted for walking on the ground. The beak is strong, conical in shape. The plumage is one-color or contrasting; most often black, gray, brown, light brown or white, sometimes with a metallic sheen. Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced, although males are somewhat larger than females. They shout loudly, sharply, unpleasantly, "croaking".

Corvids are fast and easy to learn, flocking birds, sometimes they come to each other for mutual assistance. Crows, rooks and jackdaws often settle within settlements, forming numerous colonies. Often well organized: for example, jackdaws (Corvus monedula) have a complex social hierarchy. It is known that young birds often play complex educational games, including collective games that require a certain intelligence. For example, they throw twigs into the air and try to catch them. They lie on their back and sort out any object with their legs and beak. Together they play a game like "king of the hill": they try to push each other from a certain place. Holding an object in its beak, they fly and collide with other birds until the object falls.

Some species of corvids can be quite aggressive towards other animals. For example, blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) have been known to attack anyone who approaches their nest. Birds prey on dogs, cats and other birds of prey.

Representatives of the family are found everywhere except for the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. The greatest biodiversity is observed in the tropical regions of Central and South America, as well as in Eurasia. In Africa, North America and Australia, less than 10 species of crows are collectively known.

Most species are sedentary, although in the north and east of Europe they may migrate short distances in a southwesterly direction. During the flight, they gather in large flocks.

For the most part, corvids are omnivorous - they feed on both plant and animal food: insects and other invertebrates, eggs of other birds, small mammals, berries, fruits and seeds of plants. They often eat carrion. Some species have adapted well to life in human settlements and feed on human food waste. Research conducted by American ornithologists in the United States on American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), common ravens (Corvus corax) and Steller's blue jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) showed that crows were the most omnivorous of all birds, feeding on the offal of such products as bread, pasta, fried potatoes, sandwiches, dog food and livestock feed. The same study showed that the presence of such garbage affects the overall number of birds.

Corvids are monogamous, couples persist for a long time, in many species throughout their lives. Nests are usually built in the tops of trees; as building material dry branches fastened with grass or bark are used. Both the male and the female build the nest. The clutch consists of 3-10 (usually 4-7) eggs, usually pale green with brown spots. Hatched chicks stay in the nest for 6-10 weeks depending on the species.

Corvids can be found almost everywhere. They are one of the most famous birds of Eurasia, including Russia.

In a number of places there are endemic (that is, living only there) species, such as, for example, in America and East Asia.

A number of corvids can migrate long distances.

Appearance

Most corvids are fairly large birds; moreover, this family includes the largest passerine birds: the body length of an ordinary raven and a bronze crow can reach 65 centimeters, and weight - 1.5 kg.

black raven photo

At the same time, there are also relatively small species - representatives of the smallest weigh only 40 g. Many corvids are black in color, which has become the reason for the mystical attitude towards them in European culture.

Lifestyle

Now about what is the most mysterious in these birds. Representatives of the corvidae family are called "monkeys in the world of birds" because of their exceptionally high intelligence. Numerous experiments and observations have shown that the mental abilities of corvids are not inferior to those of higher primates.

forty photos

They know how to use tools, including processing blanks (for example, turning sticks) and preserving the manufactured inventory for a long time.

They easily learn new skills, and absolutely independently; big-billed crows are known in Tokyo, which have learned to throw nuts under the wheels of cars in order to pick up the split ones from the road.

jay photo

An experiment was widely known in which a crow was given water to drink from a high container, so that its beak could not reach the liquid. The bird quickly realized and began to throw pebbles and other objects into the vessel until the water level rose; at the same time, choosing objects, the raven understood which of them sink in water, and which do not sink and are therefore unsuitable for this procedure.

Many corvids have pronounced social rituals - for example, they can express a range of emotions, even sadness. Magpies are the only birds that recognize themselves in the mirror. Another highly intelligent bird - a parrot - also reacts to the image in the mirror, but takes its own reflection for another parrot.

Systematics of the Raven family, or corvids:
Genus: Aphelocoma Cabanis, 1851 = Bush jays
Genus: Calocitta G.R.Gray, 1841 =
Genus: Cissa Boie, 1826 = Azure magpies
Genus: Coloeus Kaup = Jackdaws
Genus: Corvus Linnaeus, 1758 = Crows
Species: Corvus cornix Linnaeus, 1758 = Hooded Crow
Species: Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758 = (Common) raven
Species: Corvus corone Linnaeus, 1758 = Black crow
Species: Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus, 1758 = Rook
Species: Corvus monedula Linnaeus, 1758 = Jackdaw
Species: Corvus levaillantii Lesson, 1831 = Big-billed crow
Genus: Cractes = Kukshi
Genus: Cyanocitta = Blue jays
Species: Cyanocitta cristata = North American blue jay
Genus: Cyanopica Bonaparte, 1850 = Blue magpies
Species: Cyanopica cyana = Blue Magpie
Genus: Garulus Brisson, 1760 = Jays
Species: Garulus glandarius = Jay
Genus: Nucifraga Brisson, 1760 = Nutcracker
Species: Nucifraga caryocatactes \u003d Nutcracker, or Nutcracker
Genus: Perisoreus Bonaparte, 1831 = Kukshi
Species: Cractes infaustus = Kuksha
Genus: Pica Brisson, 1760 = Magpies
Species: Pica pica = Magpie
Genus: Platylophus Swainson, 1832 = Crested jays
Genus: Platysmurus Reichenbach, 1850 =
Genus: Podoces J.G.Fischer, 1821 = Saxaul jays
Species: Podoces panderi = Saxaul jay
Genus: Pseudopodoces Zarudny et Loudon, 1902 = Pseudopodoces
Genus: Psilorhinus = Brown jays
Genus: Pyrrhocorax Tunstall, 1771 = Chough
Species: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax = Chough
and other kinds

Brief description of the family

Ravens are very different in size(their representatives in our fauna have a wing longer than 100 mm, a metatarsus longer than 25 mm), diverse in appearance, widespread birds. They inhabit a wide variety of landscapes (tundra, steppes, deserts, mountains, human settlements), but most species are confined to forest habitats. Family widespread almost all over the globe, except for Antarctica, some arctic regions, southern South America, central Australia and part of the oceanic islands; acclimatized in New Zealand (subfossil remains of crows were found here). They live in various habitats - on sea coasts, in forests, mountains, near human settlements and in deserts.
Usually large-headed, large-billed, densely built birds. The beak is strong, rather long, straight or slightly curved, often with a convex beak ridge. The nostrils are covered with thick bristle-like feathers (an exception is adult rooks). Legs are strong. The metatarsus in front is covered with large and well-separated shields or a solid plate; the back of the metatarsus is covered with a continuous plate. The number of tail feathers is twelve. There are 10 primary flight feathers. The wing in many species is short and wide, in some parts it is elongated, with a pointed apex. The tail varies in length, straight or stepped, with 12 tail tails. The plumage is dense, in some species it is loose. Coloring black, black and white, gray, brownish, sometimes with blue patches. A metallic sheen is often well developed. Age and sex differences in crows are insignificant. Males are larger than females. Juveniles in duller plumage.
Moult in crows it occurs once a year, in our forms - at the end of summer or autumn (however, in jackdaws and jays earlier, in the middle of summer). In ravens, molting stretches for a long period. Juveniles replace small feathers in the first autumn of their life, shortly after leaving the nest; the nesting feather is loose and duller in color.
Egg laying is usually in early spring. Large species (ravens) in the north lay their eggs even when the snow has not melted far; kukshas and nuts, characteristic of the taiga, also nest early. Ravens nest in March - April, and in some places even in February; jays are somewhat late, until May; desert jays found in Central Asia - in February - March. are nesting solitary pairs, some species in groups or true colonies. In some species, pairs persist for a long time, sometimes until the death of one of the partners. Nests on trees, in bushes, thickets of reeds, on rocks, in cracks and gullies of cliffs, in hollows, in buildings. Nest massive, from branches, with soft lining; some species have nests with a roof and a side entrance. The number of eggs in a clutch in large species (ravens and ravens) is 3-6, in jays 5-7, in forty 6-8; in choughs and alpine jackdaws, as well as in desert jays, 4-5; in Nutcrackers and Jukshas that nest early, when the feeding conditions for hatching chicks are not very favorable, the number of eggs in the clutch is the smallest among our representatives of the crows: 3-4 eggs. The usual color of the eggs is variegated, on a greenish or bluish background. Incubation 16-22 days. In some species, both partners incubate alternately, in others, the female incubates predominantly, and the male feeds her, only occasionally replacing her on the nest. Both partners feed the chicks. chicks They fly out 3-5 weeks after hatching. Outside of the breeding season, they keep in groups or flocks, a few species singly. Sedentary, nomadic, rarely real migratory birds. The vast majority of species are omnivorous: eat the most diverse animal and vegetable food, carrion, etc. Many large species behave like real predators, attacking relatively large animals. They feed in the crowns of trees and on the ground.
Ravens - watchful and agile birds. Most forms are nomadic, some are sedentary, a few are true migratory birds. However, also last places wintering areas are relatively close to the nesting area. Nutcrackers are characterized by periodic mass evictions from the nesting area, coinciding with crop failures of cedar seeds.
Ravens are one of the groups of birds with the highest and most complex level of higher nervous activity. Therefore, it is relatively easy to adapt to a variety of living conditions; in particular, many species have successfully established cultural landscapes. Voice- croaking, loud whistling cries, etc. Some species are capable of onomatopoeia up to imitation of a human voice.
The largest species are energetic predators that destroy small ones.

Ravens or corvids are a family of birds from the order of passerines. Among the birds of this order, it is the representatives of this family that are distinguished by their large size and developed intelligence. Which birds belong to corvids, what are the features of their biology and whether it is worth keeping them in captivity - all this is in this article.

Different but very similar

Ravens are passerine vertebrates. Corvids (common jay, blue jay, gray crow, common raven, jackdaw, rook and many others) represent a rather large family that includes 23 genera and more than 120 species of birds. All of them are characterized by a peculiar "raven" appearance - this large birds(weight up to 1.5 kg) with a dense body, large head with a large slightly curved beak. All of them are dark in color, although there are also brightly colored elegant corvids (photo above - blue scrub jay Aphelocoma coerulescens).

These birds are distributed almost everywhere on the globe. Birds of the corvid family live in forests, steppes, deserts, mountains. They are not found in Antarctica, in the far north, South America and on the oceanic islands of New Zealand.

In Russia, corvids (photo below) are represented by 15 species, the most famous of which are gray (Corvus cornix) and black (Corvus corone) crows, common raven (Corvus corax), rook (Corvus frugilegus), jackdaw (Corvus monedula), magpie ordinary (Pica pica).

Some specific features

In the article there is no opportunity to characterize many species of corvids. We will describe only a few representatives. All of us are well known.

The common raven (Corvus corax) is one of the smartest members of the family. A large bird with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters, weighing up to 1.5 kilograms and a body length of up to 70 centimeters. The beak is massive, high and sharp. The tail is wedge-shaped. The color is black with a metallic sheen, females do not differ from males.

Gray (Corvus cornix) and black (Corvus corone) crow - body sizes up to 56 centimeters. Sometimes they are considered as two subspecies of the same species, differing in the color of feathers - in the first, the head, wings and tail are black, and the body is gray, in the second - black with a greenish or purple tint.

Rook (Corvus frugilegus) - birds with a body length of up to 45 centimeters, the color is black with a purple sheen, the base of the beak is bare. Migratory birds in the northern part of the range.

The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is a rather small bird. Body length up to 35 centimeters. The wings and tail are black, and the body is slate grey. The beak is short and stocky. Funny and sociable birds. For their cheerful nature, they are often kept in captivity.

Magpie ordinary (Pica pica) - are distinguished by a characteristic black and white color. Body length up to 50 centimeters. The tail is longer than the body.

Common jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a rare representative of Russian corvids with bright plumage. The name of these birds comes from the old Russian word "soy", which means "shine". Jay is about the size of a jackdaw, has a tuft on its head, a tan body combined with a white rump, bright blue with stripes of the shoulders and black wings, tail and top of the head. Jays are skilled mimics and their song is made up of sounds from other birds.

Raven and crow are not husband and wife

As it has already become clear, these are birds of the same genus Crows, but absolutely different types. And even their outward resemblance leaves no doubt about that. They never form pairs.

But with their appearance, most corvids (photo - a couple of magpies at the nest), they enter into long-term monogamous relationships. Sexual dimorphism is not developed in corvids, the male is usually somewhat larger than the female. Male and female together build a nest of branches, fastening them with grass and bark. Together they incubate and feed the chicks, which usually appear from 4 to 7. The chicks hatch from colored eggs (usually pale green with brown spots) on the 16-22nd day and do not leave the nest until 10 weeks of age. But even after that, parents often continue to take care of their offspring and train them.

Our neighbours

Synanthropes - this is the name in biology of animal species that settle near humans. And there are many such birds among the corvids. This is due primarily to their omnivorous and ingenuity. Most corvids feed on both plant and animal food. They eat berries and fruits, vegetables and nuts, insects, invertebrates, small mammals, birds and their eggs, do not disdain carrion.

They adapt well to life next to a person, using the remnants of our vital activity for food. In the urban landscape, flocks of crows that live in landfills are a common sight.

Public and savvy

Most corvids live in groups and for a long time. For example, crows (Corvus corax) live up to 100 years in captivity. And thanks to social cohabitation, it is precisely the corvids that have a rather high intelligence, comparable in level to primates. Of course, not everyone in the corvid squad is so smart.

But examples of solving complex logical tasks jays, gray ravens and common ravens, magpies, jackdaws and rooks are numerous. They are described in the literature, they are studied by ethologists (animal behavior scientists), and from the most ancient times, it was the representatives of this family who personified wisdom and experience in legends and tales.

amazing birds

They are empathic (empathic), easy to learn, courageous, inquisitive and cautious birds. Young birds in a flock of ravens play cooperative learning games. In addition, there is a clear hierarchy in the packs, which implies certain duties (watchmen, signalmen, scouts).

Cooperation required these birds to develop a signaling system. Although they belong to the song sparrows, their singing itself is not developed. It is rather the reproduction of single sounds, which we call "croaking". But interestingly, the crows of different flocks have their own dialects and they do not immediately understand each other. But in their flock they arrange whole meetings, collectively “hunt” and play.

observant and cruel

Ravens can easily distinguish a person with a gun and a stick in his hands. They assess the danger and conduct surveillance. That is why scarecrows cannot keep them from attacking the crop for a long time. They distinguish men from women, they are less afraid of the latter and more often make fun of them.

Yes, they have a sense of humor. Easily imitating the barking of dogs, they frighten cats. And they even master the elements of our speech and skillfully use the knowledge gained.

They have a craving for beauty for the sake of beauty - so many fairy tales have been written about magpies and their treasures.

They will fight fiercely to protect their nest. And they will go to the competition in getting or even taking away food.

and cities

Unpretentiousness in food allows them to carry out sanitary service in nature and the city. These are the inhabitants of the garbage dumps and dumps in the city, they also destroy the corpses of animals. Due to their addiction to carrion, they have long been considered "prophetic" birds and companions of misfortune. Circling over the battlefield, they involuntarily became the image of death.

But in nature, these birds are distinguished by complex feeding behavior, in which memory, observation and quick wits help them. They even remember people who feed birds in parks or stray animals, beds in summer cottages where strawberries grow. Memory allows them to stock up and empty the gardens in time.

mythological image

Among the most diverse peoples of the world, one can find the image of corvids, which personify rather contradictory qualities. In Ireland, the raven is the companion of the goddess of death and war. But in Australia, a raven stole fire from the gods for people. In China, there is a legend about ten suns, which were personified by ravens.

The ancient Greeks considered ravens to be harbingers of rain. In Aesop's fables, they personify stupidity and arrogance.

Among the Slavs, corvids were considered "unclean". Their meat was not eaten, they accompanied sorcerers and fortune-tellers, and it was believed that they lived forever.

Ravens were considered greedy for flattery and conceited. The plot of a crow that dropped a piece of cheese in response to praise, described in the famous fable of the Russian writer Ivan Andreevich Krylov (1769-1844), is found in many cultures of the world.

In modern culture, the image of crows is smoothed out and loses its sinister meaning. But since ancient times, many signs and proverbs associated with these birds have come to us and continue to play their role in life. Many of which are explained by the biology and intelligence of their natural prototypes.

Pets

Keeping corvids in captivity does not cause difficulties. Chicks are quickly tamed, recognize their owners, make friends with dogs, cats, horses. But there are nuances in their content. These are mobile and energetic birds - in captivity they need to be occupied with games and entertainment. In addition, these large birds require a spacious aviary, and with free housing, be prepared for repeated cleaning. In nutrition, they are unpretentious and will be satisfied with the contents of your refrigerator.

Corvids live a long time - so your willingness to share several decades with a pet should be balanced and conscious.

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crow family

All birds that make up one large group, called a class in zoology, are divided into squads, like schoolchildren, when two or more teams need to be formed within one class. Only the birds are divided into groups not anyhow, but according to similar characteristics. In turn, orders include families - groups of birds that have one or more ancestors that are similar in structure and other characteristics. Families are ultimately represented by genera, and each genus by a group of species. There is nowhere further, except that you can talk about subspecies and various geographical forms, but there are no serious differences between them that would interfere with joint reproduction, therefore certain types do not announce them. So, in the bird order of passeriformes, which is the richest in terms of the number of species, there is one isolated family, known for its large representatives and their outstanding mental abilities. It's about the crow family. We will talk about the brightest and most frequently encountered persons, especially since only 14 species of this curious family live on the territory of Russia.