Ever upset a crow? Scientists warn that angering one could earn you a lifelong enemy

Angering a Crow Could Earn You a Lifelong Enemy (Image: Canva)

It might seem harmless to shoo a crow away. But scientists warn such an act could invite years of noisy revenge from these sharp birds.

University of Washington crow experiment

Researchers at the University of Washington started testing crow memory in 2005. Wildlife biologist Dr John M. Marzluff led the unusual study. The goal was simple: could crows recognise faces and recall threats? To test it, researchers wore a rubber caveman mask while trapping and banding crows. This “danger mask” became the signal of threat. Others wore neutral masks, leaving the birds unbothered.

The results were immediate. Crows shrieked, dived, and even swooped within inches of the masked researchers’ heads. They followed the maskers through campus, warning their flock. Neutral masks, however, drew no reaction at all.

How long can crows hold a grudge?

The experiment went on for 17 years. The hostility never faded. New crows, never trapped, joined the mobbing, proving knowledge passed through generations. Researchers believe crows share warnings within their community, teaching younger birds who to avoid. This points to an extraordinary memory that lasts decades.

Do other birds behave the same way?

Other birds, such as magpies, mockingbirds, gulls and geese, also mob threats. They squawk, dive and swoop, making it harder for predators to attack. But few species have been studied as closely as crows. Their strong family bonds and long nesting periods may explain the intensity of their behaviour.

Crows even gather in silence around dead companions, holding what scientists call “funeral-like” rituals. They also mimic behaviour, exchange information about food, and communicate through varied vocalisations.

What does this mean for humans?

Researchers say crows’ ability to remember faces and hold grudges is unmatched. While it is unclear if they hold the longest animal memories, the study proves their survival skills are unique. So, if you offend a crow, you may face years of angry squawks from its entire clan.