The Intriguing Playful Behaviour of Corvids: Uncovering Their Captivating Intelligence and Playful Personalities

Quite recently a few people were surprised when I told them about corvids playful behaviour, so I thought it was a good opportunity to share my musings and references in this blog post. This will include experiences of my own feathered family and our wild corvid friends!

Corvids, a family that includes crows, jackdaws, magpies, rooks, choughs and ravens, are among the most intelligent birds in the world. This reputation for intelligence is complemented by their playful antics, making them fascinating subjects for both researchers and bird lovers. Observations of these birds reveal a range of engaging behaviors that highlight their cognitive capabilities and playful nature. As an Avian Caregiver I am honored to observe so many rich and diverse behaviours, which only makes them more enjoyable by the cheeky and playful nature which accompanies them.

In this blog, I will explore how corvids express their playfulness, the enrichment activities that promote their mental well-being, and the significance of human interaction in their lives.

The Playful Nature of Corvids in the Wild

Corvids' playful antics are a testament to their agility and intelligence. In the wild, they have been observed dangling from tree branches and swinging from ropes, demonstrating their physical skills. For example, researchers have documented crows using sticks to create tools, showcasing not just play but innovation. In one such study - Discovery of species-wide tool use in the Hawaiian crow (Christian Rutz et al) Hawaiian crows turned sticks into skewers to draw out pieces of meat.

Moreover, young corvids learn vital survival skills through play, activities like these help juvenile birds hone their body coordination and creative thinking. Often we see Craig our captive un-releasable crow dangling from the toy circle and rope bridge. He will cling on and then fall, repeating the same activity over and over. Each time he seems to get more creative, seemingly dancing and swinging with his wings and legs!

A fascinating behavior seen among certain corvids involves using objects resembling a “hoverboard” made from wood — sliding or gliding down slopes showcases their problem-solving abilities. In one video a crow is seen using wood as a snowboard on a roof! Watching these birds in their natural habitat provides step-by-step insights into their impressive mental agility and adaptability and of course is enjoyable for us humans! I love observing of wild feathered friends and see many cases of their personalities shining through with their cheeky and fun behaviours.

Playfulness in Captivity

In environments like rehabilitation centers, rescues and sanctuaries, or in a home where Caregivers are their family, corvids reveal even more playful behaviours. Captive corvids thrive on interactive experiences, and Caretakers provide common household items such as toilet rolls, egg boxes or scumbled up newspaper which keep these intelligent birds engaged.

In one study with captive Caledonian Crows the findings raised the possibility that intrinsic motivation (enjoyment) may be a fundamental proximate cause in the evolution of tool use and other complex behaviours (Dakota et al).

A particularly entertaining behavior noted in captivity is "sheet folding." During this activity, corvids manipulate materials to create intriguing shapes, resembling artistic expression. This not only entertains observers but also highlights their impressive problem-solving skills and creativity. Sometimes the "sheet folding" involves the caching of food items or toys (see next topic). These are often 'hidden' and eaten or played with later.

Caching: The Ultimate Hide-and-Seek

Caching is a playful behavior commonly seen in corvids, where they hide food in various locations for later retrieval. This activity serves a dual purpose: it helps them prepare for lean periods and reinforces their cognitive skills. Corvids can recall where they’ve hidden food, demonstrating exceptional spatial memory.

Research shows that face recognition is also a part of their caching behavior. Crows are known to cache food while being watched and then take precautions to avoid being robbed by other birds, showcasing strategic thinking. By engaging in caching, these birds create a complex game of hide-and-seek, highlighting their intelligence and playful spirit at the same time. Often many Avian Caregivers find this behaviour somewhat frustrating, after finding 3 day old meat rotting under the bed! But this behaviour is only natural and it just means that having a corvid companion means extra cleaning to find those cleverly hidden pieces. Our disabled crow Woody has a habit of trying to cache food in my mouth, ear and even in my top. Seemingly funny, it's not the nicest thing to have some raw mince shoved in your ear!

Enrichment: Similarities to Canine Play

Like dogs, corvids require mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. In captivity, Caretakers often implement enrichment activities such as snuffle mats and puzzle toys. Such tools challenge their problem-solving skills and keep them mentally stimulated. We have a range of puzzle toys, Russell's favourite was one you used a piece of string to pull and move blocks out of a rectangle wooden enrichment device. We were amazed how he was such a quick learner, starting at a minute to complete getting it down to only 20 seconds!

Another example of a simple enrichment device is an egg box. Cheap and endless fun! When corvids engage with egg boxes filled with treats, they not only exercise their brains but also enhance social bonds with fellow corvids, leading to overall improved mental health. I've actually witnessed our birds 'working together' to help open an egg box and one of our birds even manipulating treats away from the box, thus distracting our raven Buddy, then stealing the whole box!!!! These interactions typically lead to enhanced social behaviors, resembling the play behaviour found in dogs.

The Cheeky, Inquisitive Personalities of Corvids

Corvids exhibit diverse personalities that can be charming and entertaining. Each bird can display unique traits, which creates strong bonds between them and Avian Caregivers. All our birds are completely unique and have the most funniest of behaviours and personalities, from swinging on the rope bridge, to even stealing money out of our wallet. And yes Thatcher our magpie once stole £100 out of our wallet, even managing to rip a £20 note. That was a funny conversation at Barclays!

Many Caregivers also note that their feathered family can recognise individual faces and show affections, often bonding with humans they spend significant time with. Moreover, the intricate social structures within corvid flocks exemplify their intelligence. Corvids communicate through a variety of vocalisations and body language, effectively conveying their emotions and intentions. Observing these social dynamics invites deep admiration and intrigue and as a Caregiver I could watch them for hours!

The Importance of Interaction

Regular interaction with captive corvids—especially those that are injured or unable to return to the wild—is vital for their well-being. Engaging with these birds helps alleviate boredom, promotes mental activity, and can even aid in their rehabilitation process. As they can be very destructive, providing them with outlets is very important as otherwise they will find their own entertainment. A very cheeky Glen ripped up my two posters, I've kept the pieces in his memory.

Furthermore, building relationships with corvids allows humans to gain insights into their complex world. By connecting with these birds, we cultivate empathy and respect for wildlife while simultaneously enhancing their lives.

Reflecting on Corvids' Capabilities

The world of corvids offers rich rewards, especially through their playfulness and engaging personalities. From lively antics in the wild to interactive play in captivity, these birds remind us of the significance of intelligence, curiosity, and play in animal lives.

By offering proper enrichment and interactive opportunities, we can support these remarkable creatures, allowing their unique personalities to shine. As we learn more about their behaviours, it becomes clear that corvids are not just birds; they are extraordinary beings capable of joy, creativity, and forming connections with the world around them. It is an absolute honor to be part of their lives and watching them in the wild.

Engaging with corvids, particularly those in captivity, reveals the beautiful blend of nature and play, urging us to protect their wild counterparts and appreciate the wonders of avian intelligence.

Thanks for reading,

Helen Motteram

References

Discovery of species-wide tool use in the Hawaiian crow - Christian Rutz, Barbara C. Klump and Bryce M. Masuda (2016)

New Caledonian Crows Behave Optimistically after Using Tools - Dakota E McCoy, Patrick Nellands, Rebecca Hassall, Russell D. Gray, Alex H. Taylor (2019)