Crows and crow feeders: Observations on interspecific semiotics

Abstract

Biosemiotic studies include those which focus on systems of signs linking humans and animals. We review the general roots of interspecific communication with emphasis on biosemiotic studies. Beyond domestic animal-human communication, humans are known to communicate closely with a few wild animals with which they have mutualistic foraging relationships (dolphins, honeyguides). We reveal another such relationship in a pilot field study of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and human crow feeders. Our study illustrates an interdisciplinary consideration of interspecific communication goals, tactics, rewards and signals. Always alert to threats in searches for food, crows responded to a repertoire of messages and behaviors of crow feeders they recognized. Crow feeders-motivated to attract, feed, and spend time with particular crows-fall into two categories. Crow friends talk and behave with crows as they might with people. Crow observers are more detached, wanting unobtrusive interaction without emphasis on personal identities or feelings. We propose that the crow feeding events can be usefully studied with a strategic engagement model. We encourage future biosemiotic projects to (1) employ an interdisciplinary approach, (2) examine genetic in addition to biological and cultural processes, (3) explore variation across biosemiotic systems, and (4) consider real-world implications of findings.