What are you crowing about? Now you see it, now you don't
Crows are everywhere in Albuquerque, often seen (and heard) in noisy flocks. They are agressive, often chasing away hawks and other birds. Crows are known for their adaptability, and for their loud, harsh "caw." A group of crows is called a 'murder.' When one crow dies, the murder will surround the deceased. This funeral isn't just to mourn the dead though, the crows gather together to 'investigate' what killed their member. Then the murder of crows will band together and chase predators in a behavior called 'mobbing.' Crows are omnivores, which means they eat anything: animals such as small amphibians, reptiles, eggs, and carrion. They also eat insects, seeds, grains, nuts and fruit. In a rather strange behavior American crows will stand on anthills and allow the ants climb on them. Then the crow will rub the ants into their feathers. This behavior is called 'anting' and is used to combat parasites. I walked through the Alameda open space ...