If you love animals and nature, making friends with a crow can be a fun and unique experience. Crows are very smart birds, known for their problem-solving skills and strong memory. In some cases, they’ll even bring little “gifts” like shiny objects to people they trust. This guide will show you how to attract crows to your yard, build trust with them, and maybe even receive a surprise from them someday.
Why Make Friends with a Crow?
Crows belong to a bird family called “corvids,” which also includes ravens, magpies, and blue jays. Corvids are famous for being among the smartest animals. Crows can remember faces, solve problems, and even pass on memories to other crows. They have a unique social structure where they live in family groups, protect each other, and are even known to hold “funerals” for members who pass away, likely as a way to warn each other of danger. Crows’ loyalty and intelligence make them fascinating creatures to connect with.
How to Attract Crows to Your Yard
Getting crows to visit your yard takes some time, patience, and the right approach. Here are a few tips to make your yard a welcoming place for them.
Offer Good Food
Food is one of the best ways to attract crows, but it’s important to choose food they’ll enjoy and that’s safe for them to eat. Here’s a quick guide on foods crows love, and foods to avoid:
| Food | Details | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts (in-shell) | Crows love cracking open the shells. | Use unsalted peanuts. |
| Birdseed Mix | Seeds, grains, and nuts are favorites. | Look for quality mixes without fillers. |
| Pet Food (leftovers) | Some dog or cat kibble can work in small amounts. | Don’t rely on this as their main food. |
| Small Meat Pieces | Crows are omnivores, so they enjoy a bit of meat. | Only a little, and not too salty. |
| Fruits | Small bits of apples or grapes add variety. | Offer small, fresh pieces. |
Avoid These Foods:
- Moldy Bread: This can be harmful and may make crows sick.
- Salty Snacks: Crows can’t process salt well.
- Highly Processed Foods: Chips, sweets, and other junk food are not healthy for them.
Starting with peanuts is usually the best choice. Place them in a consistent spot, and the crows will begin to see your yard as a reliable food source. After they start coming regularly, you can add some fruit or small bits of meat for variety.
Feed Them at the Same Time and Place
Crows love routine. If you feed them at the same spot and time each day, they’ll soon recognize your yard as a safe place to find food. Try putting food out in the morning; they’ll likely start looking for you at that time each day. You may even hear them cawing nearby to get your attention when they know it’s time to eat.
A simple sound like a soft whistle or gentle call can help them connect you with the food. They’ll soon recognize the sound and might come flying to meet you.
Don’t Make Quick Movements
Crows are naturally cautious and avoid anything that feels risky. When you approach their feeding spot, move calmly and avoid sudden movements. This lets them know that you’re not a threat. It also helps if you wear similar clothes each time, so they recognize you. Over time, they’ll begin to see you as part of their daily routine and feel safe around you.
Building Trust with Crows
Once the crows feel comfortable in your yard, you can try building more trust. This might even lead them to bring you small gifts as a thank-you gesture.
Use Shiny Objects to Spark Their Interest
Crows are naturally curious and attracted to shiny objects like coins or metal pieces. If you leave a small shiny object near their food, it might encourage them to spend more time in your yard. In some cases, crows have been known to leave their own little “gifts,” such as twigs, stones, or shiny scraps, as a way of showing appreciation.
Not every crow will do this, but it’s fun to watch and see if your crow friends start bringing you anything in return.
Create a Special Signal
To help the crows recognize you, develop a unique signal that only you use. This can be a gentle whistle, a certain phrase, or a small wave. Over time, they’ll connect this signal with food, and they may start coming around when they see or hear it.
Pro Tip: Using small, safe, and shiny items like mirrors, marbles, or silver foil might encourage them to stay around longer. Just make sure everything you leave is non-toxic and safe for the birds.
Gifts for Crows
Why Do Crows Give Gifts?
Crows belong to a family of birds called corvids, which are known for their cleverness. They can remember people who have treated them well. Crows might give gifts for a few reasons:
- Reciprocity: Crows may want to return the kindness they received, especially if you feed them regularly.
- Curiosity: They might bring you items just to explore their surroundings.
- Social Interaction: Gift-giving can be a way for crows to connect with other crows and with humans.
Common Gifts from Crows
Crows are attracted to shiny and interesting objects, and the gifts they leave can vary. Here are some typical items that crows might bring you as tokens of appreciation:
| Type of Gift | Description |
|---|---|
| Shiny Objects | Coins, buttons, jewelry, or anything reflective. |
| Colorful Items | Bright pieces of plastic, fabric, or paper. |
| Natural Objects | Twigs, feathers, or interesting stones. |
Knowing what types of gifts crows like can help you enjoy the special relationship you’re building with them.
Common Crow Behaviors to Watch
Crows have many behaviors that can help you understand their mood and level of comfort. Here are some common behaviors and what they might mean:
| Behavior | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Loud Cawing | Often a call to others about food, danger, or new people. |
| Head Tilting | Shows curiosity; they’re observing something interesting. |
| Gift Giving | A special behavior where they might leave a small item. |
| Approaching Closely | Indicates trust; they feel safe enough to come near. |
| Following You | Shows high trust; they may even follow you for food. |
Fun Facts About Crows
Crows are not just smart—they’re fascinating in many ways. Here are a few fun facts that make them so interesting:
- Great Memory: Crows can remember human faces for years and can distinguish between friendly and unfriendly people.
- Tool Use: Some crows have been seen using tools to get food.
- Vocal Variety: They can make a wide range of sounds and even mimic human voices and other animals.
- Funerals: When a crow dies, others gather around and caw. This may help them learn about potential dangers in the area.
Crows are one of the few animals that hold what seems like a “funeral.” When a crow dies, other crows gather and make noise, likely to understand what happened and warn others about potential dangers.
FAQs
Q: Will crows bring me gifts if I feed them often?
Not every crow will, but many people who regularly feed crows report finding small items like sticks, pebbles, and even small pieces of metal. This gift-giving seems to be a way for crows to show appreciation.
Q: How can I get a crow to come closer to me?
Building trust takes time. Start by offering food every day and staying calm and quiet. Eventually, if they feel safe, they may start to approach you on their own.
Q: Are crows safe around pets and kids?
Generally, yes. Crows are unlikely to come close unless they feel very safe or curious. Still, it’s wise to keep an eye on pets and young children to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable.
Embrace the Crow Connection
Getting to know a crow is a unique way to connect with nature. Crows are smart, curious birds that will start to see you as part of their daily lives if you provide food, a safe environment, and a gentle routine. Some people even form such strong bonds that the crows recognize them individually, following them and calling to them when they arrive. With a little patience, you might find that your crow friends bring some extra magic—and maybe a few small surprises—into your life.