The Audubon Magazine was released in December 2024 just before Christmas. In the “Field Guide” section, a fascinating story is shared by Alice Sun about Crows congregating in communal winter roosts.

In her article, Alice Sun explores the fascinating social lives of American Crows, highlighting their intelligence and complex behaviors. She delves into their winter gatherings, where large roosts of thousands of birds provide safety, learning opportunities, and lively interactions. Sun describes the multigenerational family units that crows form, working together to find food, defend territory, and raise young. She paints a vivid picture of fledglings with scruffy feathers and blue eyes, begging for food and practicing their caws, as well as yearlings assisting during the breeding season in spring.

Sun captures the year-round appeal of observing these birds, showcasing their ability to share knowledge and build communities. Her article invites readers to appreciate crows’ relatable, intelligent lifestyles, offering endless opportunities for discovery in any environment, but especially around a communal winter roost!

Link: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/winter-perfect-time-take-crow-watching

This article was paired with an informative shorter “ID Challenge” piece that looks at American Crows & Fish Crows and challenges in telling them apart!