Social Habits

Bonded pairs are extremely territorial, with territories being most fiercely defended in the breeding season. Once paired-up, crows tend to pair for life. They form extremely close bonds with each other – this bond being broken only by one of the pair dying. Most birds do not start breeding until they are around three to four years old. They possibly build up a relationship with their chosen partner over a long period of time, perhaps playing together as youngsters previous to this.

Youngsters and non-breeding adults form small-to-large groups; these being frequently seen in the winter. They appear to use these groups to socialise and for security. They are often seen playing, just like human children and teenagers!

They have been seen pulling twigs from trees and dropping them in flight so they can catch them as they fall through the air, they also use other objects for this game. Another play behaviour that is frequently observed involves aerial chases and mock aerial battles between members of a social group. We love watching this behaviour! They flap their wings like merry-hell and perform astonishing acrobatics, gliding, twisting and turning – even flying upside down. One of our free-flying crows goes off with his buddies and can be seen joining in this behaviour, but is soon back for his dinner! He also likes to tease his wild friends and then fly back to the safety of the garden because he knows that they will be too afraid to follow him inside.

Crows also appear to enjoy the pastime of swinging upside down from telegraph wires and other perches – they think it is great fun – and will hang around for ages or just swing round and round and round.

These social groups also have a communal roost on a night-time. They gather at pre-roost assemblies, maybe to catch up on the days gossip! They are also often joined by other corvids (such as rooks, jackdaws and ravens) at these roost sites. Even the territory holders join them outside the breeding season.

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