Animals
Raven Birds: The Mysterious Birds Thought to Be Smarter Than Humans
Many people think the smartest animals in the world are dolphins, dogs, or even monkeys. But there is one bird that surprises everyone, the raven. Yes, that large black bird you may have seen flying in the sky or perching on trees. Scientists have studied ravens and found out that they are not just smart, they are very smart. In some cases, they even think like young children.
But that’s not all. These birds have long memories, can hold grudges, and can even be trained like pets. Some people say if you harm one raven, the rest of the group will remember your face for years, and they will never forgive you. This is the story of the mysterious raven, the bird that may be smarter than you think.
A Black Bird with a Sharp Brain
Ravens belong to the same family as crows and magpies. They are often confused with crows because they look similar, all black, with strong beaks and shiny feathers. But they are bigger, and their intelligence stands out.
In one experiment, scientists gave a raven a puzzle to solve. The bird had to pull on a string to get food that was hanging from it. To everyone’s surprise, it figured it out in seconds. In other tests, ravens could plan ahead, save tools for future use, and even trade items to get what they want, just like humans do in a market.
One scientist who studied them said, “These birds can think about the future, which is something even some monkeys cannot do.”
They Never Forget a Face
Now here’s where it gets spooky. These birds remember the faces of people who treat them badly. A group of researchers wore masks and caught some ravens for a study. Years later, the birds still reacted with anger whenever they saw those same masks again. They would squawk, fly in circles, and even call others to warn them.
But it’s not just in labs. In real life, there are stories of people who threw stones at ravens or hurt one, and later found bird poop on their car, their clothes, or their doorstep, as if the birds were saying, “We didn’t forget what you did.”
It may sound funny, but it’s also a warning, they don’t forgive easily.
They Hold Malice for Generations
There’s even more. When you hurt a raven in the presence of another, that second bird remembers and sometimes tells others. These birds live in groups and communicate using sounds and body language. If one of them sees you kill or harm another, it may warn the others. The whole group can learn to avoid you, or even attack you.
In some places, people believe that they teach their children who their enemies are. So, if you hurt one of these birds today, its babies may grow up hating you too.
One bird expert said, “They hold malice like humans do maybe even better.”
They Can Be Trained Like Dogs
Another amazing thing is that these birds can be trained. In some cultures and farms, people have taught ravens to bring small objects, imitate sounds, and even play games. They can open zippers, solve complex puzzles, and use sticks as tools to dig for food. In captivity, some of these birds can speak a few words, just like parrots.
One farmer shared a story about how he trained one of these birds to collect shiny things and bring them back in exchange for meat. Another woman said a raven used to tap on her window every morning to greet her like a friend.
These birds are not only smart, they are social, playful, and curious.
They Mourn Their Dead
It doesn’t end there. When one of them dies, the other birds often come around the body. They gather, look at it, and sometimes call loudly. It’s almost as if they are mourning. Scientists are not sure if it is grief or just curiosity, but it shows that these birds understand death.
In one study, a researcher placed a fake dead raven on the ground. Other birds came and made loud alarm calls. After that, they avoided the area for a long time. It’s as if they told each other, “Something bad happened here. Stay away.”
Ravens in Stories and Cultures
These birds have appeared in many stories around the world. In African tales, they are sometimes seen as messengers from the spirit world. In Norse mythology (from old Europe), the god Odin had two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who flew around the world and brought back news to him.
Some Native American tribes believed ravens were creators and tricksters. In the Bible, a raven was the first bird Noah sent out from the ark.
Because of their black feathers and loud calls, some people see them as bad luck or symbols of death, but in truth, these birds are simply very aware of their environment, they see everything.
So, Are They Smarter Than Humans?
Maybe not smarter than all humans, but they are definitely smarter than most animals. Some studies show that ravens can reason like a 7-year-old child. They understand cause and effect, they plan, they remember, and they act with purpose.
What makes it more surprising is that they do all this with a brain the size of a walnut.
Conclusion
So the next time you see this bird, don’t just wave it off as another black bird. You may be looking at one of the most intelligent creatures in nature. A bird that remembers, plans, forgives slowly and sometimes never.
If you treat them with respect, they might become your friend. But if you hurt one, be ready to deal with a clever enemy who never forgets.
Quick Fun Facts about Ravens
- A group of ravens is called an “unkindness” or “conspiracy.”
- These birds can mimic human voices.
- They play in the snow, roll on their backs, and even slide down roofs for fun.
- In some countries, ravens are protected by law.
The Tower of London in England has had these birds for centuries, it is believed if they leave, the kingdom will fall.
In a world full of noise and speed, sometimes it helps to look up and notice the birds. You may just learn something unexpected from a raven.
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