Podcast Summary
Crows and their complex grieving behaviors: Crows exhibit grieving behaviors like desperate alarm calls and gathering around deceased members, and have complex social structures. Biologist Dr. Kaley Swift explores their unique coping mechanisms in corvid thanatology.
Crows, a type of corvid, have gained a reputation for being ominous due to their behaviors surrounding death. Biologist and corvid thanatologist, Dr. Kaley Swift, shares her research on this topic in a spooky episode of the podcast Ologies. Dr. Swift explains that crows have complex social structures and exhibit grieving behaviors, including desperate alarm calls and gathering around deceased members of their flock. She also discusses the science behind how brains process death and the use of radioactive tracers to study crow behavior. The episode offers a fascinating exploration into the world of corvid thanatology, shedding new light on the complex and often misunderstood behaviors of these birds. If you're intrigued by the mysteries of nature and the natural world, this episode is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for crows and their unique ways of coping with loss.
Overcoming challenges to earn a PhD at the last minute: Passion, determination, and support from mentors and peers can help individuals achieve their goals, even under pressure.
Determination and passion can drive individuals to achieve their goals, even under immense pressure. The woman in this conversation earned her PhD on the last night possible due to a post-doctorate position in Denali, Alaska. Her love for animal behavior and intelligence, particularly crows, led her to this career path. Serendipitously, her undergraduate adviser, John Marsleff, was also a renowned crow expert, allowing her to delve deeper into her area of interest. Despite facing challenges and moments of doubt, she persevered with the support of her peers. This story highlights the importance of staying focused on one's passions and the role that mentors and peers can play in achieving success.
Distinct differences between crows and ravens: Crows and ravens, though similar in appearance, have significant differences in size, physical features, vocalizations, and behaviors. Ravens are larger, have hackles, and a deeper 'croak' sound, while crows are smaller, have smooth throat feathers, and a 'caw' sound.
Crows and ravens, while similar in appearance, are distinct species with notable differences in size, physical features, vocalizations, and behaviors. Crows are smaller, have squared tails, smooth throat feathers, and a "caw" sound, while ravens are larger, have wedge-shaped tails, textured throat feathers called hackles, and a deeper, more hollow "croak" sound. Both species are excellent mimics, but ravens have a reputation for being more goth or creepy due to their tendency to pluck out eyes and their deeper, more ominous vocalizations. Researchers like Kaley often study these birds due to their complex brains and fascinating behaviors. In a particular study, John and Kaley investigated how crows react to dead animals, using functional imaging and field research to understand their behavior in their natural environment.
Studying Crow Behavior Through External and Internal Observations: Researchers use FDG PET scans and real face masks to study crow brain activity, providing insights into behavior and cognition without harm or disturbance
Researchers are studying crow behavior both externally and internally. Externally, they observe crows in their natural habitats, and internally, they study brain function using a process called FDG PET scans. This approach is feasible financially and ethically as it doesn't require tracking devices or killing and dissecting animals. The masks used in the study are real molds of people's faces, and crows are acclimated to captivity before the scans. The FDG injection used in the scan makes the glucose in the brain visible, and the scanner detects where the tracer has landed, providing insights into brain activity. Crucially, the stimuli shown to the crows are unfamiliar to ensure accurate results. This innovative method allows researchers to understand crow behavior and cognition without causing harm or disturbance to the animals.
Crows exhibit complex behaviors towards dead members of their species: Researchers are studying the brains of crows to understand their complex responses to dead crows, potentially revealing insights into their cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence.
Crows exhibit complex behaviors when encountering dead members of their species. When discovering a dead crow, crows often form a mob, but there are also reports of them leaving objects or touching the dead crow in various ways, including aggressive pecking, exploratory touching, and even attempting copulation. These behaviors suggest a level of social and emotional intelligence in crows. The researchers are currently studying the brains of crows using radioactive tracers to determine which areas are activated in response to dead crows versus inanimate objects. The findings of this study could provide insight into the cognitive abilities of crows and their response to death. The researchers are still analyzing the data and have not yet released the results, but they have identified potential areas of the brain that may be involved, such as the amygdala, NCL, and hippocampus.
Crows' Complex Behaviors: Mating, Mourning, and More: Crows exhibit complex behaviors like mating and mourning, driven by hormonal shifts and conflicting desires. Their intelligence is often compared to primates, but they have unique avian brain functions.
Crows exhibit complex behaviors, some of which include mating during the breeding season and mourning the dead. The reasons behind these behaviors are not fully understood but are believed to be related to hormonal shifts and conflicting drives. Crows are often mistakenly thought of as monkeys due to their intelligence, but they are actually birds with brains that function differently than mammals. Despite their small size, they have managed to develop intricate systems within their smooth-surfaced avian brains, allowing them to perform tasks similar to primates. The discussion also touched upon the idea that crows might display different behaviors towards familiar birds, but further research is needed to confirm this.
Crows and Ravens: Deceitful and Intelligent Creatures: Corvids like crows and ravens possess advanced cognitive abilities, including counting, tool-making, theory of mind, and awareness of being observed. They can deceive humans by relocating their nests and even imagine competitors they cannot see.
Corvids, such as crows and ravens, possess impressive cognitive abilities. They can count, make and use tools, and have a theory of mind. Studies suggest they are aware of being observed and can deceive humans by relocating their nests. Researchers have observed this behavior firsthand, leading to creative methods like wearing masks to blend in. A study on ravens further proved their ability to imagine competitors they cannot see. While conducting research, scientists have used disguises to blend in, with experiences ranging from being ignored to confronted. The use of masks and disguises adds an intriguing layer to the study of these intelligent birds.
Encountering unexpected challenges during field research: Researchers may face misunderstandings and safety concerns during fieldwork, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and support for researchers of all backgrounds.
Conducting research, especially in the field, can come with unexpected challenges and interactions with authorities. A researcher sharing her experiences studying crows encountered situations where she and her volunteers were mistaken for suspicious individuals, leading to confrontations with the police. Despite these incidents being resolved, she recognizes the privilege she had in being able to continue her work safely. She also shared her personal background, revealing struggles with learning disabilities and a love for nature that led her to pursue a PhD in STEM against the odds. Her story underscores the importance of inclusivity and safety for researchers from all backgrounds.
Overcoming Learning Differences: A Personal Journey: Success can be achieved despite learning differences with the right support and resources. Effective time management and discovering one's strengths can lead to academic success. Empathy and studying animal behavior add depth to personal growth.
Despite facing numerous challenges in her academic journey due to learning differences, the speaker persevered and eventually found success. She shares her experience of feeling misunderstood and judged in school, and how moving to a new school and discovering effective time management tools helped her turn things around. She also discusses how her struggles shaped her empathy and drew her to the study of animal behavior. The story serves as a reminder that success is possible for all learners, with the right support and resources. The speaker's resilience and determination are inspiring, and her insights into the importance of empathy and the appeal of animals as non-judgmental beings add depth to the conversation.
Working with corvids in thanatology provides unique insights into mortality: Corvids, like crows, offer a different perspective on death due to their less human-like behavior and historical associations with human corpses.
Working with corvids, like crows, in thanatology has given the speaker a unique perspective on mortality and death, as they are less human-like and the patterns in their behavior can be easier to detect. The speaker also muses that the lack of a strong emotional connection to their subject matter may be why they haven't developed a personal connection between their scientific work and their own perspective on mortality. The speaker also answers some questions from listeners, including whether crows use bones to build their nests and why they are called a "murder" in colloquial terms. The origin of these terms is likely due to the historical relationship between humans and crows, with their feeding on human corpses during the medieval period contributing to their negative reputation.
Crows: A Complex Cultural Symbol and Social Species: Crows exhibit grieving behaviors towards their dead and engage in complex social structures, including aggressive behaviors during breeding seasons. Their cultural significance varies between Western and Asian cultures, with Western cultures often associating them with evil and Asian cultures symbolizing wisdom.
Crows, an intelligent and territorial bird species, have a complex cultural significance in various parts of the world. In Western cultures, they are often associated with evil, but in many Asian cultures, they symbolize wisdom. Crows are known to engage in extra pair copulations and can be violent during breeding seasons, killing intruders and attacking each other for dominance. However, these aggressive behaviors are rare during winter. Crows exhibit grieving behaviors towards their dead, which may serve as a way to learn and avoid danger. There is no evidence that they execute failing sentinels or visit the burial places of other crows to pay respects. The evolutionary significance of their COVID grieving behavior lies in their ability to learn and avoid danger as a social species. While there are many aspects of crow behavior that remain to be explored, their complex social structures and behaviors continue to fascinate researchers.
Crows' Behaviors and Survivability: Crows exhibit various behaviors including communal roosting, scavenging, and cannibalism. Adult crows have a higher survivorship rate than baby birds due to threats from predators and human activities. Crows avoid areas with dead crows and do not consume them frequently.
Crows exhibit various behaviors in response to different circumstances, such as communal roosting during fall and winter for safety, and scavenging roadkill or garbage. However, they avoid areas where dead crows are found due to potential danger. Crows have a higher survivorship rate as adults compared to baby birds, with the latter having a 50% survivorship rate due to threats like cars, cats, and window strikes. Adult crows are taken out by predators like hawks, eagles, and owls. Crows do exhibit cannibalism, but it's rare and more common among younger, inexperienced birds. Their large gatherings during fall and winter serve as safety measures and potential information exchange centers. Despite their scavenging reputation, they do not consume dead crows frequently.
Discovering the Intelligence and Affection of Urban Crows: Crows in urban areas exhibit intelligent and playful behaviors, communicate about food locations, and show affectionate actions like grooming, making them valuable members of urban ecosystems.
Crows, although often overlooked, offer unique opportunities for urbanites to engage with the natural world. While they may roost in large numbers for safety, they also exhibit intelligent and playful behaviors that can be observed in urban environments. Ravens, specifically, use roosting sites to communicate about food locations, but this behavior isn't entirely selfless. Crows also display affectionate behaviors like alopreening, where they groom each other, reinforcing their bonds. These behaviors, along with their intelligence and adaptability, make crows valuable members of urban ecosystems and worthy of appreciation. Urban residents can have "Attenborough moments" by observing crows in their natural habitats, experiencing the wonders of the natural world right in their own backyards.
Unexpected bonds between humans and crows: Crows can form strong bonds with humans, as shown in a heartwarming story about a crow named Go who continued to interact with a speaker after a study ended.
Animals, even wild ones like crows, can form strong bonds with humans. The speaker shared a heartwarming story about a crow named Go, whom she had befriended during a field experiment. After the study ended, Go continued to interact with the speaker, following her around and even recognizing her by her distinctive jingle. Crows are known to be more discriminating than other birds when it comes to human interaction, but Go showed a unique affection towards the speaker. The bond was so strong that the speaker even collected Go's remains and had a portrait made of her as a tribute. This story highlights the unexpected and beautiful connections that can form between humans and animals, even in the most unexpected places. It's a reminder that every interaction, no matter how small, can leave a lasting impact.
Navigating the Challenges of Urban Science: Urban science comes with interruptions, safety concerns, and communication challenges, but observing nature's intricacies and fostering empathy make it rewarding.
Working in science, particularly in urban environments, comes with its challenges. Overcoming interruptions, dealing with safety concerns, and communicating the importance of the work can be frustrating at times. However, the rewards of observing and understanding the intricacies of nature, like the intelligence of crows, make it all worthwhile. Connecting with people and fostering empathy for the natural world are essential aspects of this journey. To learn more about crow research and connect with the researcher, follow Corvid Research on Twitter, Instagram, and the blog.
Engaging with Intelligent People Leads to Valuable Insights: Engage with diverse individuals for new insights, follow experts like Dr. Kaley Swift for fascinating knowledge, be kind to animals, and appreciate unexpected discoveries
Engaging with intelligent people, regardless of their background or appearance, can lead to valuable insights. You never know who might have fascinating knowledge to share, whether it's a renowned scientist or a kind stranger at a bus stop. One such person to follow is Dr. Kaley Swift from Corvid Research, who shares her expertise on crows and their complex behaviors through various social media platforms and published work. Additionally, being kind to animals, such as crows, is essential, as they possess impressive memories and can remember when they've encountered mean individuals. For more information, check out Ologies, a podcast hosted by Allie Ward, and join the Ologies Facebook group for a community of curious minds. A fun and unexpected discovery from the episode was Allie finding a dried, possibly ancient, lemon in her pocket. This highlights the importance of appreciating the unexpected and the value of holding onto new knowledge and experiences. So, seek out intelligent people, engage in meaningful conversations, and remember to be kind to all creatures – you never know what you might learn or discover.
