First Advisor

Michael Murphy

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology and University Honors

Department

Biology

Subjects

Corvus brachyrhynchos -- Behavior -- Climatic factors -- Oregon -- Portland, Crows -- Behavior -- Climatic factors -- Oregon -- Portland

DOI

10.15760/honors.328

Abstract

The first objective of this study is to describe the seasonal patterns of variation in crow numbers and to assess the extent to which crow numbers vary with weather over the course of the winter in the Portland State University Park Blocks. The second objective of this study is to draw on current literature to help determine a possible explanation for the crow gatherings that occur at the Portland State University Park Blocks. I observed the population of crows from October 23rd 2016 to March 31st 2016 with a restricted survey area around Millar Library on the Portland State University Campus and Market St (a five block area). I made observations two days a week for periods lasting between 1.25 and 3 hours, while making both qualitative and quantitative observations of crow numbers and activity. Seasonal variation of crows in the Park Blocks on PSU campus increased from mid-fall into the winter season in a non-linear fashion. Weather influenced flocking behavior as crow numbers exhibited a weak tendency to peak at intermediate values of precipitation and to increase with wind speed. This study can serve as a base for the future work to help explain why American Crows use communal roosts during the winter months.

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Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/17911

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