GAGAK CROWS

1
GAGAK / CROWS
2
INTRODUCTION OF CROW
Crows is species bird in Family Corvidae.
Predominantly black. Flight direct with slow
wingbeats. Crows are the largest perching birds
and they are among the cleverest of all birds.
They search boldly for all kinds of food, and
will avoid traps and ignore scarecrows that
farmers put out to stop them robbing crops. They
may also store food for the winter and open
snails by dropping them on the stone.
3
CROW'S HISTORY
The name crow comes from Anglo-Saxon, crawe
(an imitation of its call). The generic names of
the raven and the crow are the Latin corvus
meaning "crow". In English-speaking lands, the
crow has always been called by that name. The
common crow of England is called the carrion
crow. The common eastern crow of the New World is
popularly, but incorrectly known by the same
name, although that name officially belongs to
the American black vulture. Each Indian tribe had
a name for the crow and because of its
non-secretive habits, it is one of the most
familiar birds to the casual observer. The
Sioux tell the story of how a white crow used to
warn buffalo of approaching hunting parties. The
buffalo would then stampede, and the hunters
would be left hungry. Eventually, an angry Indian
threw the bird in a fire which turned it black.
Early historical records reveal that "crow" has
long been synonymous with "despicable predator".
King Henry VIII put a public bounty on the crow
along with its relation the rook. The crow also
has a special distinction in the United States.

4
CROW'S HISTORY
During World War II, it was designated as an
enemy of the American public and was subject to a
widespread propaganda campaign that stated the
"black bandits" were robbing the nation's farms
of grain. Since most of the country's active
hunters were in the armed forces, its doubtful
that this campaign had a significant effect. In
the early years of agriculture, conditions were
ideal for supporting large crow populations,
especially in the farm belt. Some places
attracted roosts of great numbers with hundreds
of thousands of crows. Originally, crows were
simply classified as varmints and could be shot
anytime of the year. However, the U.S. has
negotiated a treaty with the Mexican government
to protect several species that move back and
forth between the two countries. The treaty
covers the entire major bird family Corvidae,
which includes crows, ravens and jays. So without
it necessarily being intended, the crow is now a
protected species with limitations on how they
can be hunted. The sport season for crows can be
for no more than 124 days and can't occur during
the peak breeding period in each state.
5
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
31 species of crows are found worldwide with
exceptions being in New Zealand, South America
and Antarctica.The American Ornithilogical Union
(AOU) recognizes four species of crow in North
America The American or Common crow, Corvus
brachyrhynchos, the Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus,
the Northwestern crow, Corvus caurinus, and the
Tamaulipas crow, Corvus imparatus, which was
formerly named the Mexican crow. Some people and
organizations sometimes recognize different races
of the American crow, which is the most
widespread. Crows, both male and female, have
entirely black plumage, bills, legs, feet and
claws. The body plumage and wings have a violet
iridescence in strong light. Full albinism is
rare with white wing feathers occurring more
frequently. The body weight averages about a
pound with a body length from 15 to 21 and a
wingspan up to 36. Flight speed is about 30 mph
with short bursts attaining 60 mph. Their
eyesight is similar to a wild turkeyjust make a
move and see what happens. Their hearing is
superb. All the species in this family are very
bold and aggressive. In the wild, crows live 6 to
7 years. In captivity they reach 20 years with
the oldest recorded at 30 years.
6
PYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC
Size - The American Crow, Corvus brachyrynchos,
when fully grown is 17" to 21" (from tip of bill
to tip of tail). Weight when fully grown
approximately one pound.
Differentiation of sexes - There is no way to
tell by physical appearance alone, as to whether
a crow is male or female. DNA testing of blood
will indicate sex. Close study of crows in their
daily life, especially during nesting season may
provide a clue as to sex, however, this is not
something that many people will be able to
observe.
Coloration - Crows are black for a very good
reason. This is for identification of their own
kind. A crow can easily identify another crow in
the distance, during the day, because black is
very visible during the day.
7
PYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC
Diet - Crows will eat just about anything. You
are bound to find them feasting at fast food
restaurant parking lots. They will eat bugs,
worms, road kill, mice, berries, corn, and a
variety of other tasty treats. An adult crow
needs 11 ounces of food each day. Many people
believe that crows damage farm crops. This is not
always true. Crows often eat harmful insects,
benefiting farmers.
Family life Crows are very social in nature.
Interaction with their own kind is extremely
important to them. Male crows will "court" their
desired female. The male will fluff his feathers,
strut, and fly by, in his attempts to win over
the female. Once mated, crows usually mate for
life. Not only will crows defend and protect
their own family, but they will come to the aid
of unrelated crows in need or distress. Crows are
cooperative breeders. Both crow parents take
turns sitting on the eggs. All family members
help in the care of the brood. As nesting season
arrives, the juveniles from prior years, along
with their parents, will help gather nesting
material. The crow mother-to-be will arrange the
nesting materials into a soft comfy nest. The
number of eggs in a clutch is usually 4 to 6.
8
PYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC
Nesting- Crows generally nest once per year. In
south U.S. it is reported that sometimes they
nest twice per year. Nest building usually
commences in late March and takes about 5 days.
They are usually placed moderately high (70 to
100) in deciduous and coniferous trees. The
nests are cup shaped and constructed of twigs and
bark and lined with grass, leaves, hair, feathers
etc. An average of 5 eggs are laid in late April
to early May and hatch in about 20 days. The eggs
are 1.6 and are bluish-green with brown
markings. The young (average nest success is 3)
remain in the nest for about a month and are fed
even longer.
Intelligence - Crows are extremely
intelligent, quite possibly the most intelligent
of all birds. Their tight family unit is partial
evidence of this. Crows have extremely good
memory. "A crow never forgets", especially when
it comes to something to be feared, or where they
placed their cache of food for later
consumption.
Life Expectancy - Crows in the wild can live to
be 10 years old /- 2 to 3 years. However,
predators and disease often shorten this by a few
years.
9
Enemies and Predators - Owls and hawks are two
of the crows' enemies. Crows will often gather
together and mob an offending or intruding owl or
hawk. Man, at times, can also be considered an
enemy of the crow. Those who hunt crows are
certainly enemies
PYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC
Geographic distribution - Crows are found all
over the world, except for New Zealand,
Antarctica, and South America. Crows have grown
quite accustomed to human development. Crows are
found in both the city and in the country. They
now thrive on the trash we humans discard. Early
morning trash can or dumpster dining's are very
common. If anyone is to be blamed for the
"explosion" in the crow population, it is us
"lowly humans". Ravens, on the other hand, have
retreated as a result of increased human
development.
VOICE Their voice is not the melodic trill of
most songbirds but variations of a coarse, loud
cawwww. Crows have an extensive repertoire and
can communicate a surprising number of messages
to fellow crows including alarm, feeding, rally,
comeback and fight calls. They also have a series
of courtship calls.
10
TYPES OF CROW

•  
• THE LARGE- BILLED CROW ( GAGAK PARUH BESAR)
• scientific name Corvus macrorhynchos
•  
• This is the common crow of open country, a
  heavy black bird, usually seen in twos and
  threes, uttering guttural croaking notes. The
  bird lacks the Grey collar, having a glossy black
  appearance all over. The name originates from the
  large powerful beak, much larger relative to the
  head than in the House Crow. It tends to be
  rather solitary, occurring most often in singles
  or pairs. It eats a variety of foodstuffs, but
  relies much less on man for its living than the
  House Crow, taking mostly natural food or offal.
  It may occasionally be seen in the town but is
  more often encountered in the rural areas,
  mangrove and coastal parks, and rarely near
  houses. Thus although it is branded a crow and
  as such a pest, it in fact does little to cause
  humans any convenience. 

11
TYPES OF CROW

• HOUSE CROW (GAGAK RUMAH)
• scientific name Corvus splendens
• It was imported from Ceylon to Klang,
  Selangor, at the end of the last century to
  combat a plague caterpillar hat was threatening
  the coffee plantations. It has now established
  itself in Klang Town and recently a few pioneers
  have started a colony at Port Swettenham. It is
  distinguishable from the Large-billed Crow by the
  greyish appearance of the neck, upper back and
  breast. Which are not glossy like the other
  parts. It nests right in the towns of klang and
  Port Swettenham, both in shade trees and mangrove
  lining the river- bank. The breeding season is
  mainly April to June. Three or four eggs are
  laid, similar to those of the Large-billed Crow
  but smaller, measuring 1.45 by 1.05 ins

12
TYPES OF CROW

• CRESTED JAY (BURUNG MENJERIT)
• Scientific name Platylophus galericulatus.
• This very distinctive looking bird is not often
  seen, as it stays deep in the forest, but it is
  quite common. Their calls often reveal its
  presence, and consist of a harsh rattle, readily
  recognized once known. It is a frequent
  participant in the mixed feeding flocks that are
  such a common feature of topical forest.

GREEN MAGPIE ( GAGAK GUNUNG) Scientific name
Cissa chinesis One would expect these beautiful
birds to be easy to see, but they are quite shy
birds of montane forests and scrub, often only
detected when their loud calls give them away.
Generally an observer will get only short
glimpses as single birds of a party fly from
thicket to thicket
13
TYPES OF CROW
RACQUET-TAILED TREEPIE ( GAGAK ANTING-ANTING) Scie
ntific name Crypsirina temia 33 cm (13 in).
Long spatulate tail, black plumage glossed with
bronze green, velvet black face and blue Face
and blue iris diagnostic. The habitat are in the
forest edge, plantations and wooded gardens.
Their status and distribution is reported to be
common in Kedah at least in the 1930s. Not
recorded in recent years and Status Awaits
assessment. Still fairly common in peninsular
Thailand.
BLACK MAGPIE (BURUNG KAMBING / BURUNG
TEMENGGANG) Scientific name Platysmurus
leucopterus Size 41 cm (16 in) Drongo like with
long and heavy tail. Glossy black plumage,
longwhite wingbar, red iris diagnostic. Crest
over bill is larger thanillustration in Allen
Jeyarajasingam's guide. Noisy. Found in
Myanmarthrough the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra
and Borneo. Resident in Malaysia fromlow
elevations up to 200 m, south to Johore in
forests, forest edge andmangroves. Frequents the
canopy and middle storey singly or in pairs
andmore. I saw about 4 individuals. Feeds on
insects caught in the foliage.
14
TYPES OF CROW
BANGGAI CROW Scientific name corvus
unicolor This crow qualifies as Endangered on
account of its small, declining population and
continuing forest loss in its very small range.
However, as virtually nothing is known about the
species, further surveys are urgently required to
enable a more accurate assessment of its threat
status and conservation needs. Identification
39 cm. Medium-sized, forest-dwelling crow. All
black with dark iris and relatively short tail.
Range Population Corvus unicolor is only known
from two specimens taken on an unspecified island
in the Banggai archipelago, immediately east of
Sulawesi, Indonesia. In 1991 and 1996, visits to
the island group yielded no unequivocal records
of this species.
15
MORAL STORIES ABOUT CROW
The Crow and The
Pitcher   A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came
upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water
but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of
the Pitcher he found that only very little water
was left in it, and that he could not reach far
enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried,
but at last had to give up in despair. Then a
thought came to him, and he took a pebble and
dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another
pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he
took another pebble and dropped that into the
Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped
that into the Pitcher. Then he took another
pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he
took another pebble and dropped that into the
Pitcher. At last, at last, he saw the water mount
up near him, and after casting in a few more
pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save
his life. Moral Little by little does the
trick.
16
MORAL STORIES ABOUT CROW
GAGAK DENGAN TIRAM
Seekor burung gagak yang lapar ternampak seekor
tiram di tepi pantai. Dia cuba
memecahkan kulit tiram itu untuk memakan isinya
yang enak. Dia mematuk tiram dengan paruhnya
tetapi nyata kulit tiram itu terlalu keras.
Kini dia cuba mengetuk kulit tiram itu
menggunakan seketul batu tetapi tidak berjaya
juga. Gagak berasa hampa, dia melompat-lompat di
atas tiram itu. Seekor gagak yang cerdik
menegurnya, "Hei! Kawan! Boleh saya bagi
cadangan? Cuba awak gigit tiram itu dengan paruh
awak dan terbang setinggi yang boleh. Kemudian
bolehlah awak lepaskannya. Saya pasti jika tiram
itu jatuh di atas batu, ia akan pecah. Selepas
itu bolehlah awak makan isinya."Gagak yang lapar
bersetuju dengan cadangan itu. Dia pun menggigit
tiram itu dan terbang setinggi yang boleh.
Kemudian, dia pun melepaskan tiram itu. Ia jatuh
di atas batu di tepi pantai.Kulit tiram itu pecah
tetapi belum sempat turun untuk memakan isinya,
gagak yang cerdik sudah pun memakannya.MORALJa
ngan mudah mempercayai nasihat orang. Mungkin
nasihatnya itu hanya satu helah yang merugikan
kita tetapi menguntungkan pihaknya sahaja.
17
MORAL STORIES ABOUT CROW
Crow and Peacock Once, long ago, the crow and
the peacock were good friends.  Everyday they
would go out together to work or to play. Now in
those days the crow and the peacock both had
plain white feathers.One day they were playing in
a field of brightly colored flowers. "Look,
friend Peacock. Don't you wish we wore bright
colors like those flowers?" "I think that would
be wonderful, friend Crow. I am tired of these
plain white feathers." Then crow had an idea. 
"Why don't we PAINT ourselves?  I can paint your
feathers and you can paint mine!" The peacock
agreed.  So the next day Crow began to paint
Peacock's feathers. He used the most beautiful
colors.  He painted peacock's breast and head a
magnificent blue.  On peacock's tail feathers he
drew elaborate designs. He created large rainbow
spots like brilliant eyes on peacock's tail. 
Crow spent many hours painting his friend.  When
he was finished Peacock spread his tail feathers
and began to strut around. He wanted to go and
show everyone his beautiful feathers. "Now it is
your turn to paint me," said Crow. But Peacock
did not want to waste time drawing designs on
Crow.  He simply took a pot of black ink and
poured it over crow's head. "There you are. That
should do." And the proud Peacock strutted off to
show his feathers to the world.  So today the
crow is all plain. Moral Even though Peacock IS
beautiful,  It is clear that he is too proud for
his own good.
18
REFERENCES
As The Crow flies. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.johnshepler.com/articles/crow.h
tml
American Crow history. Retrieved 20 April, 2004
http//www.crows.net/life.html
American Crow history. Retrieved 20 April, 2004,
from http//www.wildwnc.org/af/americancr
ow.html
American Crow. Retrieved 20 April,2004 from
http//www.mbr- pwrc.usgs.gov/id/fram
lst/i4880id.html
Crow. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.4reference.net/encyclopedias
/wikipedia/crow/htm
Crow facts. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.pestcontrol-products.com/crow
.htm
Crow facts. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.crowbusters.com/facts.htm
19
REFERENCES
Crow Information. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.ronausting.com/crow/htm
Crow in zoology. Retrieved 20 April, 2004, from
http//www.bartleby.com/65/cr/crow.html
Description of Crow. Retrieved 20 April,
2004 http//www.junglewalk.com/info/crow
-information.asp
Gambar burung gagak. Retrieved 20 April,
2004, from http//www.seasite.niu.edu/
indonesian/themes/animals/birds/gagak.htm
General information. Retrieved 20
April, 2004, from
http//www.zeebyrd.com/corvi29/
Madoc,Gc. (1976). An Introduction To Malayan
Birds. Kuala Lumpur The Malayan Nature
Society.
Holmes, Derek.(1998). The Birds Of
Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur
Oxford University Press.
20
PREPARED BY
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT DIVISION, PERBADANAN
PERPUSTAKAAN AWAM SELANGOR JUNE 2004