Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds
smartest-birds-of-all-time-crows-raven-and-magpie
Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds

raven intelligence

This big black bird is one of the most intelligent birds in the world. A member of the corvid family, ravens have high intelligence and extraordinary problem-solving abilities. In fact, the raven is so successful that its range extends from the Arctic, North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. This super intelligent bird has the largest habitat of all passerines. The raven’s intelligence is compared to that of chimpanzees and dolphins. With one of the highest brain-to-body ratios, the raven has problem-solving abilities, future-planning abilities, and can remember different people. Do you want to test the crow’s ability to solve problems? You will have to use some tasty treats to attract them. In no time, the crow receives your treats with his smart brain.

Said the crow never again!

Ravens are not only super smart, but they can also talk like parrots. In fact, they speak even better and more clearly than parrots. Many ravens can imitate human voices quite well. Edger Allen Poe is closely associated with the Raven due to the dark poems and tales about him. It is sad that such an intelligent and talkative bird is mistreated by humans. Let’s look beyond its dark plumage and appreciate this magnificent large bird!

eurasian magpie

One of the only non-primate species to recognize itself in a mirror test, the Eurasian magpie is one of the most intelligent birds in the world. Also a member of the corvid family, this medium-sized bird has iridescent black, white, and blue plumage. The magpie is a very good looking bird. Additionally, this intelligent bird has a large range that stretches from much of Europe to Asia.

smartest-birds-of-all-time-crows-raven-and-magpie
Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds

Due to its mostly black plumage and being in the same family as crows and ravens, the magpie is viewed by Europeans as evil. However, this bird is very popular in China. People believe that this bird is an omen of good fortune. In fact, its Chinese name translates as “bird of happiness”. Chinese people also like to hear this bird sing, which is equivalent to bringing you good luck! The magpie is also associated with love. In famous folklore, the magpie formed a bridge and brought two lovers together.

smartest-birds-of-all-time-crows-raven-and-magpie
Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds

talking magpie

Like its cousin the crow, the magpie is also a very good talker. She can sometimes mimic human voices so accurately that it’s creepy. However, magpies mean no harm. They are just mischievous animals who like to have a little fun with other intelligent creatures like us. Let’s put aside our prejudices and superstitions about this beautiful bird! Let it thrive in the environment, undisturbed by human interventions.

Ravens: A Common Sight

This is another very common bird in the corvid family. This bird closely resembles the raven and many people have a hard time telling them apart.

  • Size: First of all, the raven is bigger than the crow. The raven is 24 to 27 inches from head to toe, while the raven is only around 17 inches from head to toe. With its larger size, the raven has a greater wingspan of about a foot wider than the raven.
  • A raven’s beak is very large and slightly curved, while the raven has a straighter beak.
  • The difference between the two is most easily recognized when the birds are in flight. The raven has a wedge-shaped tail, and the raven’s tail is fan-shaped. Also, the raven tends to fly. The raven has to use its wings almost constantly in flight.
  • Have you noticed that male ravens have a ruff of feathers near their throats? Ravens, on the other hand, have soft feathers around their necks.

Differences aside, these two birds are not popular with humans due to their solid black plumage. Again, humans associate white with good and black with evil. It’s about time we got rid of that misperception!

smartest-birds-of-all-time-crows-raven-and-magpie
Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds

smartest-birds-of-all-time-crows-raven-and-magpie
Ravens, Magpies, and Crows: The Smartest Birds

Ravens and crows are not the best of friends!

Despite being very similar, crows and crows are not good friends and will not usually put up with each other. You don’t actually find many crows in urban settings. They are all ravens. In fact, the crows will congregate with other crows to make the crow leave their territory. This is for good reason: the crow is trying to protect its eggs from the crow. Since the two species are very similar to each other, the raven is just trying to protect itself from competition for the same resources. Either way, the crows are the aggressors between the two. Although crows are in the same family as ravens, they are not as smart as crows when it comes to problem-solving skills.

This article is accurate and true to the best knowledge and belief of the author. It is not intended to replace the formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or advice of a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

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