There seems to be a recurring notion that friendly wild animals are no longer wild, but I have a different perspective.

Take this remarkable creature, the Common raven (Corvus corax). While some might argue that its friendly interactions diminish its wild nature, I have a story that proves otherwise.

During one of my father’s hikes, he found himself face to face with a raven. As he engaged in conversation with the bird, something extraordinary happened. The raven seemed to listen intently, cocking its head in response. From that moment, a unique friendship was born. Whenever my father sat down during his hikes, the raven would appear, croaking and gradually approaching. They would spend around half an hour together before my father continued his journey. Remarkably, the raven would follow him for a distance before bidding farewell with another croak and flying off. My father never fed the bird, believing it to be intelligent enough to fend for itself.

As a young observer, I was captivated by this seemingly unlikely friendship. It challenged my belief that birds were not particularly intelligent. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Ravens, belonging to the Corvid family along with magpies, jays, and crows, are exceptionally intelligent, mischievous, and playful creatures. They possess seven distinct calls and can imitate other birds such as jays, crows, and geese. When seeking a mate, they showcase impressive aerial displays, including barrel rolls, somersaults, and flying upside down. Ravens even have the ability to mimic fox and wolf calls, attracting these animals to carcasses for mutual benefit. In places like Alaska and Canada, they have been observed joyfully sliding down snow-covered roofs and hills, exhibiting childlike playfulness.

But their playfulness extends beyond solo activities. Ravens engage in games of keep-away with creatures like wolves, otters, and dogs. They create toys using sticks, pinecones, golf balls, or rocks, both for solitary amusement and interactive play. Sometimes, they indulge in taunting or mocking other animals, finding amusement in the reactions they elicit.

Recent research in Austria uncovered fascinating findings about ravens’ communication abilities. The study revealed that ravens employ sophisticated nonvocal gestures, a form of communication previously believed to be exclusive to primates. These intelligent birds use their beaks to point at objects, just as we humans use our fingers to indicate. They also hold up objects to grab another bird’s attention.

A group of ravens is referred to as an “Unkindness” or a “conspiracy.” Interestingly, when a friendly raven loses a fight, its companions console it by nuzzling. Ravens have a remarkable capacity to remember friendly birds, recognize and remember human faces and voices, and respond negatively to unfamiliar ravens with suspicion.

But here’s a word of caution: if a raven takes a dislike to someone, that sentiment spreads within the flock. Like a mother’s worst nightmare, adolescent ravens form gangs and become mischievous troublemakers.

Therefore, I nominate this highly intelligent, playful, and mischievous creature—the Common raven—as a testament to the wild nature that coexists with their friendliness. 😁