Crows

September 3, 2007
In this charming introduction to the genus Corvus, Savage consolidates scientific research with myths and legends, to attest to the cleverness of crows, ravens, rooks and jackdaws. Savage begins with reports of tool-use by crows in New Guinea; they not only use bits of twig to dig insects out of narrow holes, but they also shape the twigs to form hooks that grab insects and prevent them from escaping. As legends show, humans have been fascinated by crows for thousands of years, and the raven plays a prominent role in many aboriginal creation myths. Synthesizing science and storytelling, Savage shows that the ancient image of crow-as-trickster bears out among contemporary researchers, who have observed such crow behavior as misrepresentation and misdirection. In addition, some species of crow show evidence of language skills and even artistic sensibility (as in the case of a winged shell collector). They also exhibit cooperative child-rearing, as well as grieving behavior after losing a mate or chick. Though this illuminating book ends too quickly, readers wishing to follow up on the clever Corvus will be quite pleased with Savage's detailed footnotes and lengthy list of references.

April 2, 2007
In this charming introduction to the genus Corvus, Savage consolidates scientific research with myths and legends, to attest to the cleverness of crows, ravens, rooks and jackdaws. Savage begins with reports of tool-use by crows in New Guinea; they not only use bits of twig to dig insects out of narrow holes, but they also shape the twigs to form hooks that grab insects and prevent them from escaping. As legends show, humans have been fascinated by crows for thousands of years, and the raven plays a prominent role in many aboriginal creation myths. Synthesizing science and storytelling, Savage shows that the ancient image of crow-as-trickster bears out among contemporary researchers, who have observed such crow behavior as misrepresentation and misdirection. In addition, some species of crow show evidence of language skills and even artistic sensibility (as in the case of a winged shell collector). They also exhibit cooperative child-rearing, as well as grieving behavior after losing a mate or chick. Though this illuminating book ends too quickly, readers wishing to follow up on the clever Corvus will be quite pleased with Savage's detailed footnotes and lengthy list of references.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
Crows are cool. These enormous black-clad songbirds are extremely social, solve puzzles, play with toys, steal from wolves (and the family dog), and generally show themselves to be among the brainiest animals on the planet. As science writer Savage says in this lively celebration of the worlds crows and ravens, they make a statement just by being themselves. Crows, including the largest of the tribe, the ravens, are found everywhere but Central and South America. Their smarts have long impressed the humans who live nearby, as reflected in the many myths and legends included in the text. Exploring the intelligence of crows and their ability to make and use tools; their family lives and how living in groups probably contributed to their braininess; tales of the largest and trickiest of the crows, the raven; and finally corvid language and emotions, the author leads the reader on a fascinating survey of crow natural history and behavior. Although written in a chatty tone and a very enjoyable leisure read, the book has notes and extensive bibliography that also make this a reference work.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)