What Do You Feed Crows, and Why Do They Sometimes Bring You Shiny Objects?

blog 2025-01-18 0Browse 0
What Do You Feed Crows, and Why Do They Sometimes Bring You Shiny Objects?

Crows are among the most intelligent and fascinating birds in the animal kingdom. Their behavior, adaptability, and problem-solving skills have captivated humans for centuries. One of the most intriguing aspects of crow behavior is their interaction with humans, particularly when it comes to food. What do you feed crows, and why do they sometimes bring you shiny objects in return? This article explores the dietary habits of crows, their relationship with humans, and the curious phenomenon of gift-giving.

The Diet of Crows: Omnivores with a Taste for Variety

Crows are omnivorous birds, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet is incredibly diverse, allowing them to thrive in a wide range of environments, from urban areas to rural landscapes. Here are some of the primary food sources for crows:

  1. Insects and Small Animals: Crows are opportunistic feeders and will eat insects, worms, small mammals, and even other birds’ eggs. They are known to hunt for insects in the soil or catch small animals like mice and frogs.

  2. Seeds and Fruits: Crows enjoy a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits. They are often seen foraging in fields or gardens, picking at fallen fruits or cracking open nuts.

  3. Human Food Scraps: In urban environments, crows have adapted to eating human food scraps. They are frequent visitors to garbage bins, parks, and outdoor dining areas, where they scavenge for leftovers.

  4. Carrion: Crows are also scavengers and will eat carrion (dead animals). This makes them important players in the ecosystem, as they help clean up dead organisms.

  5. Pet Food: If you leave pet food outside, don’t be surprised if crows help themselves. They are known to eat dog or cat food, especially in suburban areas.

Feeding Crows: A Human-Crow Connection

Feeding crows can be a rewarding experience, as these birds are highly social and can form bonds with humans. If you want to feed crows, here are some tips:

  • Offer Healthy Options: While crows will eat almost anything, it’s best to offer them healthy, natural foods. Unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits, and cooked eggs are excellent choices.
  • Avoid Processed Foods: Foods high in salt, sugar, or artificial additives can be harmful to crows. Avoid feeding them chips, candy, or other junk food.
  • Be Consistent: Crows are creatures of habit. If you start feeding them, they will remember and may return regularly. Choose a specific spot and time to feed them.
  • Respect Their Space: While crows can become comfortable around humans, they are still wild animals. Avoid getting too close or making sudden movements that might scare them.

The Mystery of Crow Gift-Giving

One of the most fascinating behaviors of crows is their tendency to bring shiny objects to humans who feed them. This phenomenon has been documented in various parts of the world, but why do crows do it?

  1. Reciprocity: Some researchers believe that crows bring gifts as a form of reciprocity. If a human provides food, the crow may feel compelled to offer something in return. Shiny objects, such as coins, jewelry, or pieces of foil, may be seen as valuable by the crow.

  2. Curiosity and Play: Crows are highly curious and playful birds. They may bring shiny objects simply because they find them interesting or enjoyable to interact with. In some cases, they might be testing the human’s reaction.

  3. Social Bonding: Gift-giving could be a way for crows to strengthen their social bonds with humans. By offering a gift, the crow may be signaling trust or friendship.

  4. Instinctual Behavior: Crows are known to collect shiny objects for their nests or to impress potential mates. Bringing these items to humans could be an extension of this natural behavior.

The Ethics of Feeding Crows

While feeding crows can be a delightful experience, it’s important to consider the ethical implications:

  • Impact on Natural Behavior: Regularly feeding crows can alter their natural foraging habits and make them dependent on humans for food.
  • Health Risks: Feeding crows inappropriate foods can harm their health. Additionally, large gatherings of crows can lead to the spread of diseases.
  • Neighborhood Concerns: Not everyone appreciates crows, especially if they become noisy or messy. Be mindful of your neighbors when feeding crows.

Conclusion

Crows are remarkable birds with complex behaviors and a diverse diet. Feeding them can create a unique connection between humans and these intelligent creatures. However, it’s essential to approach crow feeding responsibly, offering healthy foods and respecting their wild nature. As for the shiny objects they sometimes bring, it remains one of the many mysteries that make crows so fascinating.


  1. Can crows recognize individual humans?
    Yes, crows have excellent memories and can recognize individual humans, especially those who feed them regularly.

  2. Do crows mate for life?
    Crows are generally monogamous and often mate for life, forming strong pair bonds.

  3. How long do crows live?
    In the wild, crows can live up to 7-8 years, though some have been known to live much longer in captivity.

  4. Are crows considered pests?
    While some people view crows as pests due to their scavenging habits, they play an important role in ecosystems by cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations.

  5. What should I do if a crow brings me a gift?
    If a crow brings you a shiny object, consider it a sign of trust or friendship. You can accept the gift, but avoid encouraging behavior that might lead to the crow taking items from others.

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