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Crows: Encounters with the Wise Guys of the Avian World (Greystone Nature) | 
 enlarge | Author: Candace Savage
Publisher: Greystone Books
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy Used: $9.50
You Save: $7.45 (44%)
New (29) Used (8) from $9.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 369669
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 120
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.5 x 6.5 x 0.6
ISBN: 155365286X
Dewey Decimal Number: 598.864
EAN: 9781553652861
Publication Date: September 28, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Who knew that crows are second only to humans as toolmakers and tool users, that they have complex family lives not unlike our own, and that their vocalizations resemble human languages? This witty, charming book introduces readers to these endlessly fascinating creatures. Author Candace Savage explores their evolution and basic biology, diet and food-gathering practices, incredible tool-using capabilities, crow “languages,” tricky social interactions, and their impact on the human imagination as reflected in mythology, literature, and popular aphorisms. Based on extensive research, the book is a lively, loving tribute to these special feathered friends.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 Fun, Informative August 29, 2008
A quick, easy read with great information and insights. The illustrations are beautiful and it's very well written. Each section includes a brief excerpt from a myth or cultural history relating to the roles corvids have played in human development, often through religion. If you are looking for something with more in-depth coverage of the characteristics of the several species, or the full specifics of the many scientific experiments mentioned, this may book may be a little light for you. But I enjoyed it immensely, a great introduction to corvids and a pleasant reading experience.
 I prefer BIRD BRAINS to WISE GUYS June 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Candace Savage is a Canadian writer, nature-lover and (wait for it) crow-lover. She has written two books about crows and related birds, "Bird Brains" and "Crows". I gave "Bird Brains" four stars, and recommend it, especially to the general reader. Unfortunately, "Crows" is a much worse book: fewer pictures, confusing lay-out, and less interesting text. Or, to be more precise, the text is interesting, but Savage jumps from subject to subject in such a manner, that the book becomes quite pointless.
It feels as if "Crows" is a ragtag collection of leftovers from "Bird Brains". Whatever didn't make it into that book, has been used here instead, regardless of context or logic. "Crows" contain short Native legends about ravens, a section on crows and ravens as tool-users, something about ravens tricking other ravens, and a weird story about a scientist who was persecuted by all crows in his home state! There is also some information about crow family life, including crow altruism. Yet, when I finished the book, I still didn't feel any more clever than at the beginning...
If you only want to buy one of Clarence Savage's crow books, buy the other one, "Bird Brains". If you absolutely want to buy both (rich kid, huh?), read "Bird Brains" first and take this one with a slight grain of salt.
Delightful January 19, 2008
Delightful, insightful, engagingly written look at the "birds in black," their mythology, social habits, intelligence, culture. The book is laid out nicely with interspersed artwork and short stories on ravens and crows from different cultures.
 Wanting October 22, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
As an avid reader of nature and nonhunting outdoor books, I was severely disappointed with this book. I had previously read Ms Savage's book "Prairie, A Natural History" and was looking for the same scientific and somewhat scholarly approach. "Crows" was a very cursory. The author did not delve into any specific area such as intelligence, life cycle etc. She only touched on others research. There was no original information. She gave more attention to myths, fables and old artworks.
If you enjoy birds,don't pass this one up! June 23, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am an avid Birder and have a large library of bird and Natural History books. Over the years I have see many books on birds that are just a bunch of fluff gathered together by an editor and/or publisher. At a cursury glance,this might appear to be such a book. However;If you are familiar with the author;you'll know that she has authored several excellent books about birds.
This book is a first class look at Crows.It covers history,legend,personal experiences,behaviour and more importantly many intersting things that are recently being learned by some of the best scientists and researchers around today. They have learned things that just might convince you that crows are much more intelligent than they have ever been credited for. Well,not everyone. It is a pretty well known fact to anyone who has spent time in the country;that crows are exceptionally wary. Just try to get anywhere near them carrying a rifle;even if well concealed.You haven't got a hope!
Whether a very knowledgeable birder or one who just enjoys watching crows around where they live;you will be amased at what is in this book.
As a long time Birder,I must admit,I haven't spent much attention on crows.We see them everywhere;and well,they're just there!
After reading this book I am going to pay much more attenion to them;and I highly recommend it.
I am reminded of those famous words of that great Baseball Player,Yogi Berra;
"You can see a lot by watching!"
On top of being an excellent book because of its subject matter;it has excellent construction,high quality paper,top of the line color rendition and printing.It also comes with excellent references and notes.How can you go wrong with such a fine book? You just can't!
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