“Crows and people share similar traits and social strategies. To a surprising extent, to know the crow is to know ourselves.”—from the Preface From the cave walls at Lascaux to the last painting by Van Gogh, from the works of Shakespeare to those of Mark Twain, there is clear evidence that crows and ravens influence human culture. Yet this influence is not unidirectional, say the authors of this fascinating book: people profoundly influence crow culture, ecology, and evolution as well. John Marzluff and Tony Angell examine the often surprising ways that crows and humans interact. The authors contend that those interactions reflect a process of “cultural coevolution.” They offer a challenging new view of the human-crow dynamic—a view that may change our thinking not only about crows but also about ourselves. Featuring more than 100 original drawings, the book takes a close look at the influences people have had on the lives of crows throughout history and at the significant ways crows have altered human lives. In the Company of Crows and Ravens illuminates the entwined histories of crows and people and concludes with an intriguing discussion of the crow-human relationship and how our attitudes toward crows may affect our cultural trajectory.

Offers insight into crows' ability to make tools and respond to environmental challenges, explaining how they engage in human-like behaviors, from giving gifts and seeking revenge to playing and experiencing dreams.

Birds of mystery, intelligence, and curiosity, ravens and crows have fascinated humans for untold centuries. In this first in a series of beautifully illustrated books that celebrate the power and beauty of the animal kingdom, Catherine Feher-Elston considers the raven in the contexts of mythology, folklore, history, and science. From the raven's role as trickster in Native American religion to his ability to captivate ornithologists and biologists with his intriguing behaviors, Ravensong pays tribute to the elegance and grandeur of two of America's most ubiquitous avian species.

Drawing on his own experiences in Florida and New England, with reference to published literature, Kilham describes many hitherto unknown aspects of the behavior of crows and ravens. He particularly emphasizes the cooperation in food gathering (some call it theft) and storage, breeding, nesting, and defense. Includes wonderful drawings by Joan Waltermire. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Two brothers struggling to find their place in the world. For the elder sibling Kildare, every morning begins with the memory of betrayal. Once governed by the principles of morality, Kildare has become an instrument of blood and steel-where the speed of his sword arm metes out his own brand of justice. Only the strength and resolve of his brother Zedaine keeps him from succumbing to the ever-present rage that burns behind his dark eyes. While employed by the mysterious sage Blade, the pair stumble upon Chameleon, a runaway tribeswoman displaying extraordinary psychic powers. Their meeting, however, is no chance encounter. A riddle Chameleon carries will change not only the future of the three, but the fate of the entire world. Hundreds of miles away, Macklore, a powerful wizard of Brisbane, has been dispatched to the volatile city of Gallanse. Smitten at the sight of princess Lydia, Macklore defies his orders and finds himself thrust into the middle of a bloody succession. When he openly supports Lydia's family, he is marked for death by a cult of magi working to raise the psychotic prince Dragomir to the throne. With few allies, Macklore must use his wits and innate magical powers to keep Dragomir from the crown and himself alive. Racing towards Gallanse, Kildare and Zedaine are torn between saving Macklore's life and exacting terrible vengeance upon the man responsible for their betrayal.

Originally published: New York: Summit Books, 1989.

Tells the story of a child's first birding expedition on a golden autumn day.