In northern Spain, black crows (Corvus corone) exhibit unique social behavior compared to other regions. Unlike European populations that typically live alone or in pairs, these birds form stable family groups.
Offspring remain with their parents for four to five years, assisting with tasks like feeding chicks, defending territory, and protecting the nest. Recent research reveals that this cooperative behavior is learned, not innate.
The coordination required for these shared responsibilities is achieved through sophisticated vocal communication. Black crows use over 150 different sounds, a significantly high number compared to other non-human animal species.
Researchers used biologgers, electronic devices placed on the birds, to study these vocalizations. These devices have a microphone to record sounds and accelerometers and magnetometers to record the bird's movement, correlating vocalizations with specific activities.
Collaboration with the Earth Species Project, a non-profit organization using artificial intelligence to decode animal communication, has been crucial. This collaboration helped analyze and classify the vast amount of data collected, advancing the understanding of the meaning of black crow vocalizations.
Preliminary results suggest that black crows possess a complex social structure and advanced vocal communication. This makes them a species of great interest for studying animal behavior and the evolution of cooperation in birds. Scientific articles detailing the study's conclusions are expected to be published in the coming months.