The Tower’s ravens often display intriguing behaviour, from sliding down slopes in the snow for no apparent reason other than sheer fun to exhibiting signs of mourning when one of their number dies. The risks of fanciful anthropomorphism are glaringly apparent but every year brings news of just how intelligent our corvid cousins can be.
Two recent experiments have produced truly astonishing results. One set of researchers has provided evidence that ravens may be able to tell the good guys from the bad. The birds were introduced to a straightforward process of exchange: swapping the bread they already had for much tastier cheese. Sometimes the scientists would honour the deal, handing over the cheese; sometimes they would renege and the raven lost its treat. A few days later, the same…
You're reading a preview of
History Of Royals (Digital) - 1 Issue, No. 20