Corvids including ravens, crows, and jays demonstrate cognitive abilities approaching those of great apes, with significant implications for how we should think about their welfare.
Corvid intelligence has been systematically underestimated and is now recognized as comparable to great apes in some domains. This cognitive sophistication has welfare implications. Captive corvids in inadequate conditions suffer more than simple animals because they can recognize and respond to their situation cognitively. Corvids in enriched environments show more complex behavior and better indicators of positive welfare. Wild corvids form lasting pair bonds and family groups with social complexity that creates vulnerability to social disruption. Control programs targeting corvids use methods including larsen traps that capture birds through use of decoys and can separate bonded pairs. The legal status of corvids as pest species in many jurisdictions means they receive fewer welfare protections than their cognitive sophistication would justify.