Name: Raucous corvids bring joy in time of COVID
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Raucous corvids bring joy in time of COVID

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You have permission to edit this article.AdvertisementWe’re focusing today on corvids, not COVID.The Corvidae family of birds (more commonly called corvids) is a bold bunch. This big, raucous family includes jays, crows, ravens, magpies and Clark’s nutcrackers. Some corvids, like crows and ravens, are all black. Many others, like our Steller’s jay and Woodhouse’s scrub-jays, have predominantly blue plumage. The magpie looks like no other with its large size, long tail and distinctive black and white markings.The intelligent corvids make their presence known with loud and distinctive calls, sometimes signaling to others the presence of a predator. David Sibleyn in his Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior writes, “Corvids, especially Crows and Ravens are purportedly among the most intelligent of all birds. In some psychological tests crows have performed as well as monkeys.”Corvids are medium to large perching birds with wingspans that range from 29 inches to more than 4 feet. They have strong bills and feet, and most can easily crack open nuts and seeds.Corvids are gregarious and often pair for life. Some corvid species have what is called “frequent extra-pair copulations.” It is common for some members of the corvid family, like the American crow, to roost in large flocks at night and then disperse during the day to look for food.Corvids eat almost anything. Crows and ravens are opportunistic scavengers and gladly take food where it comes: insects, eggs, fruit, small mammals, fish, carrion, suet, bird food, dumpsters, compost piles, etc. Clark’s nutcrackers and pinyon jays are highly dependent upon the seeds of pine trees but will supplement their diet with anything any other corvid would eat.Not only do most corvids group together socially at night but often raising the young is a family affair. Typically, with corvids, both sexes build the nest and help feed the young. It’s not uncommon for juvenile crows to stay with parents for several years and assist in raising subsequent broods.Because corvids are medium to large birds, their young are larger and require more food. Adults may keep feeding the young for weeks or even months after fledging. For many corvids, living and raising young is a community effort.P.S., good news! We’ve had reports of two hummingbirds arriving in the past few days. One in Nambé and the other on Valley Drive.Anne Schmauss is the co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Santa Fe and she loves to hear your bird stories. She is the author of For the Birds: A Month by Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard.Anne Schmauss is the co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Santa Fe and she loves to hear your bird stories. She is the author of For the Birds: A Month by Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard.AdvertisementSorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.Copyright © The Santa Fe New Mexican&nbsp;|Powered by from .{{title}}{{summary}}You don't have any notifications.Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.TopicsSorry, an error occurred.You are logged in&nbsp;Thank you .Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.Check your email for details.Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.×Thank you.Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.Rate:Begins:Ends:Transaction ID:A receipt was sent to your email.

You have permission to edit this article.AdvertisementWe’re focusing today on corvids, not COVID.The Corvidae family of birds (more commonly called corvids) is a bold bunch. This big, raucous family includes jays, crows, ravens, magpies and Clark’s nutcrackers. Some corvids, like crows and ravens, are all black. Many others, like our Steller’s jay and Woodhouse’s scrub-jays, have predominantly blue plumage. The magpie looks like no other with its large size, long tail and distinctive black and white markings.The intelligent corvids make their presence known with loud and distinctive calls,...

Raucous corvids bring joy in time of COVID

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