Alien  Earthlings

Crows belong to the family Corvidae, which also includes ravens, magpies, and jays.  

A murder of crows is the traditional collective noun used to describe a group or flock of crows. The term stems from medieval folklore and poetry, largely inspired by the bird's dark plumage, harsh vocalizations, and morbid scavenging habits near battlefields, cemeteries, and the gallows. 

crow, (genus Corvus), any of various glossy black birds found in most parts of the world, with the exception of southern South America. Crows are generally smaller and not as thick-billed as ravens, which belong to the same genus. A large majority of the 40 or so Corvus species are known as crows, and the name has been applied to other, unrelated birds. Large crows measure about 0.5 metre (20 inches) long, with wingspans that can reach 1 metre (39 inches). 

High-Level Intelligence

Crows are among the few animals known to manufacture and use tools. 

• Problem Solving: They can solve multi-step puzzles, such as using one tool to retrieve another to eventually reach food.

• Memory and Grudges: They have remarkable facial recognition. In famous experiments at the University of Washington, crows remembered a "threatening" mask for over a decade, teaching their young and other flock members to scold and dive-bomb anyone wearing it.