First report of house crowCorvus splendensremoving burning cotton wicks from oil lamps, extinguishing and eating

Abstract

Corvids have long impressed scientists with their flexibility in problem-solving and innovative tool use. Opportunistic observations of five wild house crows ( Corvus splendens), a couple of them approaching burning oil lamps and delicately lifting the flaming wick and extinguishing it to consume the cotton wick are reported here. Although similar behaviour has been reported earlier in a few species, this is the first report of such an observation in house crows. Wild crows probably with no experience performing this fire manipulation, wary of nearby humans, could put the bird or its surroundings in jeopardy. Anecdotal reports of crows setting haystacks and thatched roofs ablaze are popular. The crow’s manoeuvres on the burning lamp and the skilful manipulation of the burning wick without getting hurt are commendable and warrant further research. Studies on the nonhuman fire-handling capability could illuminate our understanding of the behaviour of our ancestral hominins towards the fire that led to their mastery over fire.