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This Nature note reports the first documented instance of tool use in Sunda crows (Corvus enca) and provides additional evidence of this ability in house crows (Corvus splendens). At Singapore Zoo (December 2023), individuals from both species spontaneously manipulated a hooked stick to extract food rewards from enclosed containers. This observation extends the catalogue of tool‐using corvids. We briefly review tool use across the corvid family and examine competing hypotheses regarding its evolution, including inherited predisposition from a tool‐using ancestor and the development of general physical intelligence with food caching as a potential precursor. Our findings suggest that the cognitive foundation for tool use may be conserved across the corvid family, with expression contingent upon environmental demands rather than species‐specific adaptations. This work contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the evolutionary origins of complex problem‐solving in birds and the potential role of general physical intelligence in corvid cognition. Picture exemplifying the crow tool use.

The Indian House Crow , commonly observed in urban habitats, is the subject of this study presenting opportunistic observations of three bald individuals in coastal urban habitats, shedding light on their behaviour and potential causes of baldness. Furthermore, the absence of scientific literature on baldness in Indian House Crows highlights the novelty of this report. The lack of comprehensive studies on this topic underscores the need for further investigation into the causes and implications of bird baldness.

Aim: To observe the effect of environmental factors influenced by the anthropogenic activities on various events of roosting behavior of House crow (Corvus splendens). Methodology: All Roost sites were located in the vicinity of highly urbanized settlements with ample anthropogenic light and sound. Correlation analysis was carried out to work out how environmental factors affect various roosting events. Multiple regression analysis suggested best fitted model to explain the variability observed in roosting events. Sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensitywere recorded. Four principal events viz., time of first arrival, time of half arrival, time of last arrival and mean time of last vocal were observed. In addition, three derived events viz. duration between sunset time to first arrival, first arrival to last arrival and last vocal were also studied. Results: It was found that sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensity in part were correlated and predictors for different principle and derived roosting events. Anthropogenic light and sound affected roosting events via altering intensity and duration of light and sound. An extended duration of derived events were observed on comparing our findings with previously available record. It was proposed that in addition to altered abiotic conditions, interplay of various other complex cognitive processes while roosting may be a contributor to these times lapsed. Interpretation: Environmental factors along with anthropogenic light and sound affect roosting events. Therefore, anthropogenic activities should be managed to avoid adverse consequences on roosting behavior and thus, the survival of birds. Key words: Anthropogenic light and sound, Environmental factors, House crow, Roosting behavior

Urban-dwelling birds can be useful biomonitors to assess the impact of the urbanisation on both public and wildlife health. Widely distributed urban bird species, the House crow, was studied for heavy metal accumulation levels from nine cities of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa that border the Indian Ocean. Feathers were spectroscopically investigated for the deposition of ten heavy metals, i.e. As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, iron Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu and Li. Fe and Zn were found to be the most prevalent metals in all sites. Measured concentrations of Pb (4.38–14.77 mg kg −1 ) overall, and Fe (935.66 mg kg −1 ) and Cu (67.17 mg kg −1 ) at some studied sites were above the toxicity levels reported lethal in avian toxicological studies. Multivariate analysis and linear models supported geographical location as a significant predictor for the level of most of the metals. Zn and Cu, generally and Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr at some sites exhibited potential bioaccumulation from surrounding environments. Inter-species comparisons strengthen the inference that the House crow is a reliable bioindicator species for the qualitative assessment of local urban environmental pollution and could be a useful tool for inter-regional monitoring programs.

Background Although genomic DNA isolation using the Chelex 100 resin is rapid and inexpensive, the DNA obtained by this method has a low concentration in solution and contains suspended impurities. The presence of debris in the DNA solution may result in degradation of DNA on long term storage and inhibition of the polymerase chain reaction. In order to remove impurities and concentrate the DNA in solution, we have introduced modifications in the existing DNA isolation protocol using Chelex-100. We used ammonium acetate to precipitate proteins and a sodium acetate- isopropanol mixture to pellet out DNA which was washed with ethanol. Results A pure DNA pellet that can be dissolved in water or Tris-EDTA buffer and stored for a long time at − 80 °C was obtained. We also observed a 20-fold change in the DNA concentration following precipitation and re-dissolution. Conclusion Our method is different from other extraction methods since it uses non-toxic, easily available and inexpensive reagents as well as minimal amounts of blood or tissue samples for the DNA extraction process. Besides its use in sex determination and genotyping in lab animals as described in this paper, it may also have applications in forensic science and diagnostics such as the easy detection of pathogenic DNA in blood.

Urban areas worldwide are increasing in size at an unprecedented rate, which is influencing local biodiversity. Most studies of urban biodiversity have focused on urban areas in developed countries, while knowledge from developing countries where much current urbanization is occurring is relatively scarce. Thus, in countries like Nepal that are undergoing significant urbanization (two-fold increase in 30 years), our understanding of the processes and impacts on biodiversity are extremely limited. In this study, we examine species richness, abundance, diversity and nesting habitat preferences of birds in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu in comparison to surrounding rural areas. Species richness, abundance and diversity were higher in rural sites than urban sites with a strong positive association with trees, which was much stronger in urban sites. Anthropogenic materials were incorporated into nests, and included plastics, wires and clothing. This behavior was observed primarily at urban sites, as was nesting on artificial substrates like power lines. Rural nesting preferences were positively associated with local vegetation and negatively with distances to buildings. Urban nesting preference were similar, but also increased with increasing distance to roads. Our results suggest that degrading urban green spaces may have severe impacts on urban avian diversity and facilitate colonization of generalist species, such as the House Crow ( Corvus splendens ), which was the most common species observed at urban sites. Our findings suggest that the planting and maintenance of trees throughout Kathmandu will help conserve current and future bird diversity.

Both invasive and native species can significantly influence socio-ecological and economic systems. The Indian House Crow (IHC; Corvus splendens ) and the Red-billed Quelea (RBQ; Quelea quelea ) are invasive and native species in Africa, respectively. Both species are known for their substantial socio-ecological and economic effects; however, limited studies have directly compared them. This study aims to compare the impacts of IHC and RBQ, evaluate their control and management strategies, and examine awareness and attitudes toward these species. Through a scoping review, we identified relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria and synthesized evidence on socio-ecological and economic impacts, control measures, and community awareness and attitudes. Data were collected from Google-Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCOhost and evaluated following PRISMA guidelines, and analysed through descriptive and thematic methods. The results indicate that RBQ has a higher frequency (73%, n  = 59) of studies, most of which address the economic aspects and control measures, while IHC has fewer but more diverse studies across multiple socio-ecological and economic areas. No studies have reported hybridization or brood parasitism for these species in Africa. Control strategies have evolved from traditional approaches to modern techniques capitalizing on technological advancement. Overall, both species are widely regarded as pests, causing substantial economic losses as well as significant social-ecological impacts. To date, existing control measures remain insufficiently effective. The study underscores the differing impacts of IHC and RBQ, highlights key research gaps such as the need for more studies in attitude and perception towards these species, and advocates for improved and sustainable management strategies.

Widely distributed house crows act as scavengers. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of potentially zoonotic Raillietina tapeworms. House crows were captured using mist nets. Tapeworms were preserved in 70% ethanol (−20°C) and identified morphologically and molecularly. DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform; 18S rDNA was amplified by PCR and visualized after gel electrophoresis. Logistic regression analyzed prevalence factors; chi-square tested associations between categorical variables and infection. Raillietina infected 47.22% of crows, with prevalence differing by sex, age, health, area, and month. Females had higher infection rates (60%) than males (31.2%) (OR = 5.00, CI: 1.25-22.70, p > .05; p > .05). Subadults (76.9%) were more susceptible than adults (30.4%), (OR = 0.81, CI = 0.19-3.23, p > .05; p < .05). Weak crows (63.6%) showed higher susceptibility compared to healthy ones (32%), (OR = 4.88, CI = 1.00-36.42, p > .05; p > .05). Urban crows showed significantly higher infection rates (55.5%) than rural crows (38.8%) (OR = 0.0481, CI = −5.119 to −1.405, p < .05; p > .05). Compared to colder months, prevalence was found higher during summer months, highest in June and August (OR = 2.073, CI = 0.7396-8.519, p < .05; p < .05). The study highlights zoonotic Raillietina prevalence and molecular identification, recommending future research on crow-human transmission pathways.