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January 13, 2012
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This video (via Al Dove on twitter), which appears to be from Russia, shows a crow (can anybody confirm the identity of the bird?) engaging in an activity that can only be described as play. There is at least some scientific evidence (behind a paywall) that corvids, as well as some species of parrots and other social birds, do engage in play-like behaviors. This particular instance is remarkable as it does not only show play, but also a form of tool use!
Also: Snowboarding Crows: The Plot Thickens
Teaser photo used under CC license
About the Author: Jason G. Goldman is a graduate student in developmental psychology at the University of Southern California, where he studies the evolutionary and developmental origins of the mind in humans and non-human animals. Jason is also an editor at ScienceSeeker and Editor of Open Lab 2010. He lives in Los Angeles, CA. Follow on Google+. Follow on Twitter @jgold85.
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The bird’s a jackdaw . . . and I want what she had!
Link to thisIt’s not a jackdaw, it’s a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooded_Crow” rel=”nofollow”>hooded crow.
Link to thisAwesome video. I’ve forwarded it to my ethology workgroup here in Spain.
Link to thisEuropean Crow, common all throughout EU., I saw them in Croatia this past summer. Extememly intelligent birds and have been known to take shiny items out of peoples homes and businesses ~ an uncle that works at a steel casting and tool n die type of place tells me they have flown into the large windows and taken items out of the shop. All shiny, like bronze or gold plated.
Link to this