I observed that other than for 'roost' purposes, some crow communities gather with loud vocalisations on one big tree. Is it the approaching threat? Or is it a gathering to 'decide on something" as a group?
Interesting question. I used to wonder as well. I imagined the loud calls to be a way of 'planning' their trips to gather food. Since I saw them doing this frequently, not sure of the 'approaching threat' aspect. But can't deny the possibility. It could also be simple discussions over my space and your space during their rest time!? The loudness could have evolved as a beneficiary trait for the species?
This is a interesting article titled "SELECTED VOCALIZATIONS OF THE COMMON CROW"
http://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v088n03/p0613-p0634.pdf
Very interesting indeed. I was wondering which choral call would be the one they exercise when gathering in huge numbers. One crow starts and then gradually every crow joins, they get very loud and then the huge choral noise gradually fades. And this happens every 5-10 seconds periodically. Like sinus curve !
I still did not get an answer though. I have been watching the roosts in my neighbourhood . They come together performing increasing and decreasing choral sounds, as if they are discussing something together, or maybe call each other to get together, then, after a while they leave. They do not sleep on that tree.
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