John Marzluff, PhD, is Professor of Wildlife Science at the
University of Washington. The author of four books and over one
hundred scientific papers on various aspects of bird behavior, he
is the recipient of the A. Brazier Howell, Board of Directors, and
H.R. Painton awards from the Cooper Ornithological Society.
Tony Angell has authored and/or illustrated a dozen award-winning
books related to natural history.
“Researchers writing about comparative human and nonhuman cognition
always make brief, obligatory reference to the underlying
neurological and hormonal systems, but Marzluff and Angell actually
provide us with the details. In lucid, logical, and articulate
prose, they carefully explain all the interrelated mechanisms
involved in the fascinating behavior patterns of their corvid
subjects and how these mechanisms relate to those of humans. Their
book is indeed a gift, not only to those of us eager to learn about
corvid behavior but also but also to those who wish to understand
the bases for these actions.”
*Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a
Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed
a Deep Bond in the Process*
“John Marzluff and Tony Angell's amazing, true stories of crows who
rage, grieve, give gifts, work together, and even design and use
tools would be enough to make this book a great read. But these
maverick scientists go a step further, and actually show how these
birds' big brains, though different from our own, achieve many of
the same feats. Gifts of the Crow is a gift to all of us who have
argued for years that humans don't possess the only minds in the
universe. This is one of the most exciting books I've read in a
long time.”
*Sy Montgomery, author of Birdology*
"In this important work, you’ll find stunning examples of crow
emotionality and intelligence -- a triumphant vindication for those
who have known all along that animals are capable of much more than
they’re generally given credit for. . Crows dream as part of their
learning process, for instance, and profile other individuals’
behavior and act accordingly. In many ways, their intelligence is
equal to that of the great apes. Fascinating."
*Stacey O'Brien, author of Wesley the Owl*
"Full of clear and detailed accounts of research...remarkable."
*NYTimes*
"Angell’s illustrations of birds are exquisitely detailed... the
book will instill in many readers a sense of wonder and curiosity
at what these birds can do. An insightful look at some of our
surprisingly capable feathered friends."
*Kirkus*
"Amazing"
*Seattle Times*
“Delightful… a series of intriguing stories and stunning
illustrations that together reveal the sophisticated cognitive
abilities of crows and their relationship with humans."
*Nature*
"With its abundance of funny, awe-inspiring, and poignant stories,
Gifts of the Crow portrays creatures who are nothing short of
amazing. A testament to years of painstaking research and careful
observation, this fully illustrated, riveting work is a thrilling
look at one of nature's most wondrous creatures."
*Guardian.co.uk*
"A great read, this book is a tribute to the little-known and
underappreciated minds of the birds of the amazing corvid family.
Serious and at times hilarious, it pulled me in with its telling
anecdotes and scientific context. Most importantly, it acknowledges
and explores the many complex similarities between crows' mental
traits and our own."
*Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven*
“Gifts of the Crow is a compelling book. Filled with wonderful
stories of regular people’s interactions with ravens, crows, and
jays, it also cites engrossing scientific studies, reports on the
field work of biologists, and offers detailed explanations of how
the brain of a corvid actually works. I was fascinated.”
*Suzie Gilbert, author of Flyaway: How A Wild Bird Rehabber Sought
Adventure and Found Her Wings*
“A remarkable look at just how smart the common crow and raven are…
Highly recommended.”
*Library Journal*
"Throughout much of human history crows have been our constant
companions. In their exciting new book, Marzluff and Angell, show
us how crows brains work, while providing the evidence that these
cerebral birds have a lot more in common with us than we ever
imagined. And Angell's illustrations alone make the book worth the
price."
*Paul R. Ehrlich, co-author of The Birder's Handbook*
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |