WHY STUDY CROWS, RAVENS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES?

To learn more about the sizes of family groups and urban roosts.

Crows, ravens, magpies, and jays are in the Family Corvidae and are often referred to as "corvids."

Some corvid species live in family groups during the nesting season (spring and summer). Sizes of family groups seem to differ from one region to another but little else is known about this.

During fall and winter, some urban locations have huge numbers of corvids (especially crows seen in groups larger than 50,000) that roost communally (together in a relatively small area).

Understanding the sizes of family groups and urban roosts are two of the main goals of Crows Count.

Crows, ravens, jays, and magpies are some of the most easily recognized birds in the world. Many corvid species live in human landscapes, including cities. City-dwelling corvids can find ample food on lawns along with food at bird feeders, picnics, and sources of garbage. Corvids build well-hidden nests in trees or shrubs, often near buildings or sidewalks. Some species (for example, Common Ravens and Black-billed Magpies) will use human structures, such as power-line poles, for their nests.

Corvids are usually obvious in color or size. They are bold around humans and often call loudly. They are ideal birds to study because they are relatively easy to identify and count. Although many corvid behaviors are well-studied, little is understood about how these birds live and interact in groups. To learn more about corvids, click here.