Gifts of the Crow

How Perception, Emotion, and Thought Allow Smart Birds to Behave Like Humans

De: John Marzluff, Tony Angell

Narrado por: Danny Campbell

New research indicates that crows are among the brightest animals in the world. And professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington John Marzluff has done some of the most extraordinary research on crows, which has been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic, and the Chicago Tribune, as well as on NPR and PBS. Now he teams up with artist and fellow naturalist Tony Angell to offer an in-depth look at these incredible creatures - in a book that is brimming with surprises.

Redefining the notion of “bird brain,” crows and ravens are often called feathered apes because of their clever tool-making and their ability to respond to environmental challenges, including those posed by humans. Indeed, their long lives, social habits, and large complex brains allow them to observe and learn from us and our social gatherings. Their marvelous brains allow crows to think, plan, and reconsider their actions. In these and other enthralling revelations, Marzluff and Angell portray creatures that are nothing short of amazing: They play, bestow gifts on people who help or feed them, use cars as nutcrackers, seek revenge on animals that harass them, are tricksters that lure birds to their deaths, and dream.

The authors marvel at crows' behavior that we humans would find strangely familiar, from delinquency and risk-taking to passion and frolic. A testament to years of painstaking research, this riveting work is a thrilling look at one of nature's most wondrous creatures.

©2012 John Marzluff and Tony Angell (P)2012 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A great read, serious and at times hilarious, this book explores the many complex similarities between crows' mental traits and our own." (Bernd Heinrich, author of Summer World)

Crows from A to Z

Very easy to listen to this reader. A explanation how crows think as well as an in depth explanation how a ravens brain works drilling down to the neurological connections and endorphins which drive these birds to survive. You will realize that a crows are every bit as smart as dolphins.

An Excellent Resource for Crow Enthusiasts!

Informative and insightful! Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn more about crows and corvids.

Crowtacular!

Crowtacular absolutely love this book! Very insightful perspective on the life of The Crow. yes!

Eye Opening

I learned a whole lot about my amazing corvid neighbors. I loved the stories, and the neuroscience. However, the scientific discusions get a bit dense for an audio-listen. I found myself wishing I could look at the book. While the illustrations are available for download, it's not practical for my "reading" habits. I "read" in the car, walking the dogs, etc.

Intelligent Corvids! Crows, Magpies, Ravens, & Jays.

What an entertaining book about crows and their close relatives. Poignant little stories are given with scientific research and many big words. “Crows gather around their dead, warn of impending doom, recognize people, commit murder of other crows, lure animals to their death, swill coffee and drink beer, design and use tools - including using cars as nutcrackers, and windsurf and sled to play“. Just like us. They are playful troublemakers and would make amazing pets if that were only legal ( I wish). They can even mimic human voices!
There is a lot of crow brain biology included which, I admit, slowed down my reading progress in the beginning of the book, but once into the book, the stories of people and crows and tender and comical.

I think any person who, even casually, likes to observe wildlife will enjoy this book.