Abstract
W hy is that crow wearing a white vest? Looks like a crow dressed for a formal night on the town. No, birds don't conform to our ideals of what constitutes being well dressed. This bird is an African Pied Crow (Corvus a/bus), an Old World cousin of our familiar Crows (Co1V11s bracbyrynchos) and the not so common Northern Raven t Corrus corax).
As the common name indicates, this corvid originates in the continent of Africa where it is found somewhat abundantly south of the Sahara. In body size this bird is comparable to C. bracbyryncbos with a head shaped more like C. corax to which it is closer allied. As with most Connts species. the plumage is primarily black (although highly glossed reflecting subtle tones of purplish blue) with a black bill and
legs. Unlike most species. the chest and upper abdomen are covered in the purist of snow white feathers, terminating in a band forming a semi-circle round the lower nape - a site that must truly be seen, to be appreciated.
So why a Pied Crow anyway' Well. I'm going to tell you why - I'm going to tell you about my Pied Crow, Aristotle. who came to live with me nearly three years ago. It all started with an email to Rick Jordan of Hill Country Aviaries, in Texas who at the time had two young birds that were being handfed. After about two dozen correspondences and three months of waiting (ran into the old summer sizzle and the airlines wou lcln 't ship for three weeks) the young bird arrived at my door, well, almost, I had to pick up from the airport and absorb a three hour delay caused by a connecting flight.
But I still remember my amazement as I drove home, opening the little door to the carrier and seeing that big reel mouth pop out, uttering a long whining hunger cry. As I had come prepared, I removed a fey pieces of presoaked clog chow and quickly satiated the crying void.
Once home, Aristotle quickly
serried into the large cage that T had provided and was offered any and all items that could amuse and entertain, and of course quickly became spoiled rotten. I soon discovered that it was a never ending battle to keep this bundle of energy entertained, starting with the traditional (and expensive) dog, cat, and bird toys. rapidly transitioning to cardboard boxes, paper towels, rubber aquarium hose, towels, rags, and anything non-toxic that could be procured from the local 5&10 store.
Crows, unlike most parrots, make the most unbelievable mess - not just the ordinary five minute dustpan and broom mess, but rather I leave for work then come home
ready to dial 911 because my-househas-just-been-robbed or a hurricanehas-just-struck, mess. Feed Aristotle blueberries - the walls and floors are wearing blueberries. feed Aristotle mynah pellets - mynah pellets are hurled halfway clown the hallway, feed Aristotle mealworrns - well you get the picture.
Aristotle is somewhat of a large crow with a very aggressive personality, and everyone including the breeder and myself thought she was a he. Well, it turns out that she was nor a he. bur rather a her. Aristotle is quire headstrong and fearless, and although she does not talk, she is very assertive in getting her point across. When attention is on the menu. she will call endlessly till she is liberated from her captivity, and this is equally true of being uncovered in the morning - try sleeping in on weekends, I dare you!
At this point it must appear that a Pied Crow in the house is somewhat of a liability - I'm an
accountant and unfortunately we speak that way, and at times I begin to think that way myself, but then I am reminded of why I like her so, as she gently "coos .. for me to come over and massage her head and neck through the bars of her cage. This crow reminds me of a German Shepherd that I had once owned that would look so deeply in my eyes with great trust and loyalty - I feel a great feeling of "connectiveness' during our times of interaction.
Once Aristotle's cage door is open, it's up and out, a bit of rapid stationary flapping, and then on to my shoulder to travel wherever the road (or for that matter. wherever my big feet walking over the hardwood floors) takes us.
The thieving tendency of corvicls is strong and rather well known, but with age and repetitive reinforcement,' Aristotle has evolved from a constant jump down, steal whatever I put clown that is light enough for her to carry, and "the chase is on, .. to only the temporary digression to old habits.
As her third year of life rapidly approaches. I am beginning to see the signs necessitating the acquisition of a male crow. Aristotle's activities now include the ever-increasing "fluffed" head display executed in synchroniciry with a whole new
repertoire of sounds. the likes of which I have never heard. I've also begun to notice her increased sessions of "naughty Aristotle." beginning with a fluffy ball of affection then transitioning into a biting agitated Mrs. Hyde. I guess that's the drawback of a "teenager."
I have had fairly good success feeding my crow a staple diet of dogfood (high quality).
mynah pellets, thawed frozen mixed, vegetables, parrot pellets, and cheerios. I supplement the diet with plain tuna, pasta, parrot seed, apples, blueberries, blackberries, and table scrap odds and ends. This fairly well balanced diet is further enhanced by the capture of the occasional fruitfly "on the wing."
The African Pied Crow should not be recommended to just anyone, these birds are a big commitment and at times, can present themselves to be quite determined - .. no" is not a known part of their vocabulary. This species, if handfed, is about the most committed companion an individual may ever want, but at the same time. may drive an individual to the point of being committed'
Long before acquiring exotic corvids I had much experience with their positive as well as negative attributes. serving as a part-time wildlife rehabilitator for several years prior. My experience allowed me to make a well-informed decision prior to purchase and I feel no regrets.
If you own or are in the process of acquiring an African Pied Crow, I may only hope that your experience is or will be as positive as mine has been and you enjoy many years of "Life with a Pied Crow."