Nicky Clayton: Why Crows Are “Feathered Apes”
Oct 07, 2025•36 min
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Summary
Professor Nicky Clayton reveals the astounding intelligence of crows, calling them "feathered apes" due to their social complexity, tool use, and ability to plan and deceive. She discusses their theory of mind, comparing their problem-solving skills to children and exploring how nonverbal communication, like that in Tango, reflects deeper truths. The episode also touches on the importance of pure science and the unique bonds between humans and corvids.Episode description
With long memories and the ability to figure out what other crows are thinking – then plot to outdo them, using what Nicky Clayton calls “sleight of beak” – crows are at least as smart as chimpanzees, despite having very different brains.
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