What To Feed Crows: A Complete Guide

Are crows crowding your thoughts with questions like “What to Feed Crows?” Fret not, fellow feathered-friends enthusiasts! 

We’ve got the scoop on what these clever avian foodies prefer. 

Peanuts, fruits, popcorn, oh my! Discover the scrumptious secrets to keeping crows well-fed and returning for more. 

Let’s dive in! (Short answer: Peanuts, fruits, popcorn, and more!)

15 Foods That Crows Like to Eat

Crows are known for their diverse and adaptable diet. 

These avian omnivores have a palate that extends far beyond seeds and insects. In fact, they are notorious for their fondness for both natural and human-provided foods. 

Here are 15 delectable treats that crows can’t resist:

  1. Meat: Crows are avid scavengers and will gladly devour meat scraps, such as leftover chicken or beef.
  2. Eggs: Unsurprisingly, crows have a penchant for eggs, whether they are from other birds’ nests or even chicken eggs.
  3. Fruits: Crows have a sweet tooth and will happily indulge in a variety of fruits, including apples, berries, and grapes.
  4. Nuts: A handful of nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, can make a crow’s day.
  5. Cheese: Crows have been known to develop a taste for cheese, so a small piece as a treat won’t go amiss.
  6. Bread: While it should be given sparingly, small amounts of bread can be offered to crows as an occasional snack.
  7. Rice: Cooked rice is a crow favorite, and it can be a great way to use up leftover rice from your own meals.
  8. Cereal: Some crows have been spotted munching on cereal, so if you have any to spare, why not share?
  9. Mealworms: These protein-packed morsels are a great source of nutrition for crows and are readily available in pet stores.
  10. Cat or Dog Food: While not a staple, a small portion of wet cat or dog food can be an occasional treat for crows.
  11. Peanut Butter: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on a tree trunk or a bird feeder, and watch the crows enjoy the sticky goodness.
  12. Popcorn: Plain, unsalted popcorn can be a fun and crunchy snack for crows.
  13. Fish: If you live near a body of water, leaving out some fish scraps can attract crows to your area.
  14. Suet: This high-energy food, typically made from animal fat and seeds, is a hit with many backyard birds, including crows.
  15. Insects: Crows are expert insect hunters and will gladly gobble up various creepy crawlies like worms and beetles.

What to Feed Crows: A Crow’s Favorite Food?

While crows have a wide-ranging diet, if you’re looking to entice them with a particular favorite, consider offering them peanuts. 

Peanuts, both in and out of the shell, are a particular crowd-pleaser among crows. 

These nutrient-rich legumes are packed with protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients, making them a wholesome and appealing choice for our avian friends. 

So, the next time you want to treat your local crows, reach for a bag of peanuts, and watch them delight in this tasty morsel.

How Do Crows Find Food?

Crows are highly resourceful when it comes toscouting out their next meal. 

Their keen eyesight and problem-solving abilities play a crucial role in their foraging success. 

Crows have an incredible ability to observe and learn from their surroundings, enabling them to identify potential food sources. 

They often watch other birds or animals for clues about where to find tasty morsels.

Crows are also known for their impressive memory. They can remember the locations of food caches they have created or places where they have found food in the past. This remarkable memory allows them to return to reliable food sources and even share this information with other members of their crow community.

In urban areas, crows have become adept at scavenging from human environments. 

They have learned to associate certain places, such as parks or picnic areas, with the possibility of finding discarded food. 

By keeping a watchful eye on our behaviors and routines, crows have become skilled opportunists, swooping in to snatch up any tasty treats that come their way.

Where Do They Live?

Crows are highly adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, farmlands, and urban areas. 

They are native to North America but have expanded their range across the globe due to their ability to thrive in diverse environments.

These intelligent birds build their nests in trees, typically using a combination of twigs, branches, and other materials. 

They prefer tall trees with sturdy branches that provide a safe and elevated spot for their nests. 

Crows are communal nesters, often living in family groups or small communities. 

They have a complex social structure and rely on strong familial bonds for survival.

Are Crows Good to Have Around?

Absolutely! Crows play a vital role in ecosystems and provide numerous benefits to the environment. 

As scavengers, they help clean up carrion and other organic debris, which helps prevent the spread of disease. 

Crows also consume large quantities of insects and pests, helping to regulate their populations naturally.

Furthermore, crows have been shown to be highly intelligent and have an exceptional ability to problem-solve. 

They are known to use tools, recognize human faces, and even display a sense of humor in their interactions. 

bserving and studying crows can provide valuable insights into avian intelligence and behavior.

Crow vs. Raven: What is the Difference?

Crows and ravens are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance and behavior. 

However, several key differences can help you distinguish between these two corvid species. Ravens are generally larger than crows, with a heavier build and a wingspan that can exceed four feet. 

They also have a deeper, more resonant call compared to the cawing of crows.

Another distinguishing feature is the shape of their tails. 

Crows have square-shaped tails, while ravens have wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tails. 

Additionally, ravens tend to be shyer and less likely to frequent urban areas compared to crows, which are more adaptable to human environments.

Related Article: How Do Mother Birds Feed Their Babies

How To Make Own Homemade Treats For Crows?

If you’re feeling crafty and want to create your own treats for crows, there are several simple recipes you can try. 

Homemade treats can be a fun way to bond with your crow visitors and provide them with a nutritious snack. 

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for making your own crow-friendly treats:

Homemade Crow Treats Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Raw unsalted peanuts
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries)
  • Unsalted popcorn

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine equal parts raw unsalted peanuts and sunflower seeds.
  2. Add a handful of dried fruits to the mixture and stir well.
  3. Pop a small batch of unsalted popcorn and let itcool completely.
  4. Break the popcorn into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
  5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  6. Take small portions of the mixture and place them in various locations around your yard or in a designated feeding area.
  7. Sit back, observe, and enjoy the sight of crows indulging in your homemade crow treats.

Remember to provide fresh water alongside the treats to ensure the crows stay hydrated while enjoying their snack.

How To Get Crows As A Pet?

While crows are highly intelligent and fascinating creatures, it is important to note that they are not typically kept as pets. 

In many countries, it is illegal to keep crows as pets without the proper permits or licenses. Additionally, crows are wild birds that have evolved to thrive in their natural habitats.

Crows have complex social structures and rely on the dynamics of their crow communities for survival and well-being. 

Keeping a crow as a pet can be detrimental to their natural instincts and social interactions. 

Instead of trying to domesticate a crow, it is best to appreciate them from a respectful distance and provide them with a welcoming environment in the wild.

Bringing Crows to Your Yard

If you’re interested in attracting crows to your yard, there are several steps you can take to make it a crow-friendly space. 

Crows are highly adaptable and can be enticed with the right offerings. 

Here are a few tips to bring crows to your yard:

  1. Food: Offer a variety of crow-friendly foods, such as peanuts, fruits, or suet, in a designated feeding area. Remember to provide fresh water as well.
  2. Consistency: Establish a routine and consistently provide food at the same time each day. Crows are creatures of habit and will learn to associate your yard with a reliable food source.
  3. Safety: Ensure that the feeding area is located in a safe spot away from predators and potential hazards.
  4. Observation: Spend time in your yard quietly observing the crows. They are more likely to visit and feel comfortable if they perceive you as a non-threatening presence.
  5. No Disturbance: Avoid making sudden loud noises or movements that could scare the crows away.
  6. Patience: Building a relationship with crows takes time. Be patient and allow the crows to become accustomed to your presence and offerings.

Related Article: How Often Do You Feed Baby Birds

How To Attract Crows At Home?

If you want to attract crows to your home, there are additional steps you can take to make it a welcoming space for these intelligent birds. 

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Create a Nesting Site: Install a crow-sized nesting box or platform in a secure location, such as a tall tree or a high structure.
  2. Provide Cover: Plant trees and shrubs that offer shelter and nesting opportunities for crows.
  3. Avoid Chemicals: Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as these can be harmful to crows and other wildlife.
  4. Offer Perches: Install perches or elevated structures, such as tall poles or dead tree branches, where crows can perch and survey the area.
  5. Respectful Environment: Maintain a peaceful and respectful environment, free from unnecessary disturbances or threats.

Remember, attracting crows to your home requires patience and respect for their natural behaviors. 

Enjoy their presence and observe their fascinating interactions from a distance.

6 Helpful Tips For Befriending Crows

If you’re interested in building a bond with the crows in your area, here are six helpful tips to establish a friendly relationship:

  1. Consistent Presence: Spend time in the vicinity of the crows regularly. They will become more familiar with your presence and perceiveyou as a non-threatening individual.
  2. Offer Food: Provide a variety of crow-friendly foods in a designated feeding area. Remember to keep the offerings consistent and offer fresh water as well.
  3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward the crows with treats when they visit your yard. This positive reinforcement helps them associate your presence with something beneficial.
  4. Respect Boundaries: Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle or scare the crows. Give them space and observe from a distance.
  5. Learn Their Calls: Crows have different vocalizations that they use to communicate. Pay attention to their calls and try to mimic them to establish a form of communication.
  6. Be Patient: Building trust with crows takes time. It may take several weeks or even months for the crows to become comfortable with your presence. Be patient and consistent in your efforts.

Remember, building a relationship with crows is a unique and rewarding experience. 

Enjoy the process of getting to know these remarkable birds and the insights they can provide into the natural world.

 

FAQs About What To Feed Crows

What foods are best to feed crows?

Crows have a diverse diet, but some of the best foods to offer them include peanuts, fruits like apples and berries, unsalted popcorn, cooked rice, mealworms, and suet. 

These foods provide essential nutrients and are generally well-received by crows.

What should you not feed crows?

While crows can eat a variety of foods, there are some items to avoid feeding them. 

It’s best to refrain from offering salty or sugary foods, processed or fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, and anything with artificial additives. 

Additionally, avoid feeding crows excessive amounts of bread, as it lacks the necessary nutrition and can lead to health issues.

Is it OK to feed crows?

Yes, it is generally okay to feed crows. 

Feeding them can create a closer connection with these intelligent birds and provide them with additional food sources. 

However, it’s important to remember that human-provided food should only supplement their natural diet, and care should be taken to offer nutritious and appropriate options.

How do you feed wild crows?

To feed wild crows, choose a designated feeding area in your yard or a suitable spot nearby. 

Offer a variety of crow-friendly foods, such as peanuts, fruits, and mealworms, in small portions. Be consistent with feeding times and establish a routine. 

It’s best to scatter the food or use bird feeders to mimic natural foraging behavior and reduce competition among crows.

What do Indian crows eat?

Indian crows, like their counterparts in other regions, have an adaptable diet. 

They commonly feed on a range of foods, including grains, fruits, insects, small reptiles, eggs, and even small mammals

They are also known to scavenge in urban areas and may consume leftovers or food scraps. 

Providing a variety of foods that align with their natural diet can attract Indian crows to your feeding area.

 

Final Thoughts About What To Feed Crows

In conclusion, when it comes to feeding crows, the options are diverse and exciting. 

From their love for peanuts and fruits to their occasional indulgence in meat scraps and popcorn, crows have a wide-ranging palate. 

By providing them with nutritious and varied foods, you can attract these intelligent birds to your yard and observe their fascinating behaviors. 

Remember to be consistent, patient, and respectful in your approach. 

Building a bond with crows takes time, but the rewards are well worth it. 

So, grab a bag of peanuts, create a crow-friendly space, and embark on a captivating journey into the world of these charismatic creatures.

Julian Goldie - Owner of ChiperBirds.com

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.