Remember, Remember Corvids this November!

Fish crow in a pine tree.

Corvids are a group of birds that includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. In South Carolina, you’re most likely to spot American crows, & blue jays all over the state and fish crows along bodies of water. More uncommonly spotted and upstate SC, ravens can be seen! Corvids thrive in diverse habitats like beaches, farmlands, backyards, forests, dumps and more. They feast on everything from insects and seeds to small animals and human scraps, making them true omnivores and expert survivors.

What makes corvids so fascinating is their intelligence. Studies have shown that crows can recognize human faces, use tools, and even solve puzzles.When people consistently leave food offerings like various types of nuts or bits of kibble, crows start to recognize them as safe and generous humans. Over time, some crows have been known to reciprocate by bringing back small “gifts” like bottle caps, bits of glass, beads, coins, or even other shiny items! It’s not always clear whether the crows intend it as a trade or if they’re just expressing curiosity or appreciation, but there are so many documented cases that scientists think it’s tied to their social intelligence and ability to form relationships.

Blue jays, meanwhile, are the neighborhood alarm system, alerting other birds to predators with sharp calls. These resourceful birds are not only clever, they’re social, curious, and full of personality. Blue jays can mimic certain bird calls like the red shouldered hawk as a self defense. 

Corvids play vital roles as seed dispersers, scavengers, and sentinels. By caching acorns and cleaning up carrion, they help forests regenerate and reduce disease spread. Their keen awareness of predators helps other species survive. Remember, remember Corvids when you think of November!