Martin Schilt’s theory is: corvids observe us, adapt, learn from us, and become smarter and smarter. For this purpose, Schilt interviews a number of interesting interlocutors and experts. Members of indigenous peoples and researchers around the world who study corvid behavior and capabilities have their say. There is also German–American biologist Bernd Heinrich, a true fan of crows. He raised a crow as a child, and his research on corvid communication is considered seminal. U.S. zoologist John Marzluff studies the cognitive abilities of crows and how they convey information associated with them. He accidentally discovered that crows can remember faces. And the Ravenmaster of the Tower of London also has a say. He is responsible for looking after the royal ravens, which must be protected and cared for because, according to legend, the British Empire would fall if the ravens left the tower. |