00:00Welcome back to another episode from Simply Awesome Planet.
00:05Today's wildlife story is about the crow.
00:10Crows are common. We see them daily, but few know their true minds.
00:15They are not mere black birds. Their intelligence is surprising.
00:19They observe keenly and solve problems with sharp minds.
00:22We explore their world. Crows are corvids, a family that includes ravens and jays.
00:28These birds are known for their brains. Scientists compare them to primates.
00:33They can use tools, plan ahead, and grasp basic physics, making them unique.
00:38One curious habit of crows is anting. What is it?
00:42Crows lie on anthills, allowing ants to crawl on them.
00:45This may seem strange and even painful, but crows do it deliberately.
00:49They also pick up ants and rub them on their feathers.
00:52Anting has two forms, active and passive.
00:55In active anting, a crow takes an ant, crushes it gently, and rubs it on its feathers.
01:01In passive anting, the crow lies still, allowing ants to swarm its body.
01:06Both forms serve a purpose.
01:08Why do crows perform anting?
01:10The main reason is likely medicinal.
01:12Ants secrete formic acid.
01:14This happens when they are disturbed.
01:16Formic acid is a potent substance.
01:18It can kill tiny parasites.
01:20It can soothe irritated skin.
01:22Crows often have feather mites.
01:24These mites can be very itchy.
01:27Formic acid acts as an insecticide.
01:29It can also be a fungicide.
01:31This acid helps keep feathers clean.
01:33It might remove old oils or dirt.
01:36Healthy feathers are vital for flight.
01:38They are key for insulation.
01:40So, anting keeps crows healthy.
01:42It is a natural health treatment.
01:44How did crows learn this?
01:46It was probably a slow discovery.
01:48Perhaps a crow disturbed an anthill.
01:50It felt the ant's effect.
01:52Or it saw other birds anting.
01:54Young crows learn from parents.
01:57They watch other adult crows.
01:59Knowledge passes through generations.
02:01It is a form of tradition.
02:03Observation played a big role.
02:05Trial and error was also key.
02:07Crows watch their surroundings.
02:08If one crow found anting useful, others might copy it.
02:12They are smart enough to learn.
02:14If something feels good, they repeat it.
02:16So, learning came from many sources.
02:19This established the anting habit.
02:21Anting is just one sign of crow cleverness.
02:24They show intelligence often.
02:26Tool use is remarkable.
02:28Crows are not casual tool users.
02:30Some species are experts.
02:32The New Caledonian crow is famous.
02:34They do not just find tools.
02:36They actually make them.
02:37This is an advanced skill.
02:39Consider New Caledonian crows.
02:41They fashion hooks from twigs.
02:43They use these hooks carefully.
02:45To pull insects from tree crevices.
02:47They select the right material.
02:49Then they trim and shape it.
02:51This is not simple instinct.
02:53It shows understanding.
02:54It involves planning steps.
02:56They even keep favorite tools.
02:58Crows also understand water.
02:59Specifically water displacement.
03:01An old fable told this.
03:03A thirsty crow dropped pebbles into a pitcher.
03:06The water level rose.
03:08Scientists tested real crows.
03:10The crows solved the puzzle.
03:11They chose solid objects, not hollow ones.
03:14This shows a grasp of physics.
03:17It is not just about food.
03:18It is about understanding the world.
03:21This ability to understand is key.
03:24It helps them use their environment.
03:26It is crucial for their success.
03:29They adapt to new situations.
03:30They solve new problems.
03:33This makes them very resilient.
03:35They thrive in many places.
03:38Crows are clearly special birds.
03:40Their intelligence has many facets.
03:42It appears in their social lives.
03:44It shows in problem solving.
03:46It is evident in their learning.
03:48They have complex communication.
03:50They can recognize human faces.
03:52They even seem to hold grudges.
03:54This social smartness helps them.
03:56It helps them thrive.
03:58Their adaptability is amazing.
04:00They have learned to live with humans.
04:02They prosper in busy cities.
04:03They find new sources of food.
04:05They learn from our actions.
04:07This adaptability comes from intelligence.
04:10They are not bound by instinct.
04:12They can change their behavior.
04:13They find new solutions.
04:15This makes them great survivors.
04:17Anting behavior is one example.
04:20Tool use is another.
04:21Understanding physics is a third.
04:23These actions give us a glimpse.
04:25They show a high level of thinking.
04:27This is rare in the animal world.
04:28They change our ideas about bird brains.
04:31Crows prove intelligence is diverse.
04:33Their cleverness is inspiring.
04:35So, next time you see a crow, pause.
04:38Watch it closely.
04:39Think about its complex mind.
04:41Consider the intelligence behind its dark eyes.
04:44These birds are nature's healers.
04:46They are ingenious toolmakers.
04:48They are adaptable survivors.
04:49They are a constant fascination.
04:52The natural world is full of intellect.
04:54Well, that explains this strange but fascinating fact
04:57about the crow.
04:59Thanks for watching Simply Awesome Planet
05:01and come back soon.
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