Are African Grey Parrots Smarter than Crows? Find Out Now!

African Grey Parrots and crows are two of the smartest pet birds. Both show incredible intelligence and unique skills. But which bird is the smartest?

Are Crows or African Grey Parrots Smarter?

Crows are better at problem-solving than African Grey Parrots. African Grey Parrots are better in communication than Crows.

A 2017 University of Auckland study found that New Caledonian Crows used wire tools to solve complex problems with 90% success.

African Grey Parrots, like Alex, excel in communication.

Harvard University research in 2000 showed that Alex could count 6 objects accurately and identify colors and shapes 80% of the time.

African Greys are better at human-like communication.

How Do Crows and African Greys Show Their Intelligence?

Crows use tools and recognize people. Crows use sticks to move insects.

A 2015 University of Cambridge study showed crows could recognize up to 100 human faces.

African Grey Parrots mimic human speech. University of Arizona studies found African Greys could learn 200 words and answer questions 80% of the time. This ability is unmatched by most other bird species.

Do African Grey Parrots or Crows Have a Bigger Brain?

Crows have a larger brain relative to their size than African Grey Parrots. 

A 2016 Vanderbilt University study found crows have 1.5 billion neurons in their forebrain. This is comparable to small monkeys and supports advanced tool use.

African Grey Parrots have 1 billion neurons. University of Vienna research showed these neurons help African Greys excel in speech and social interaction.

Which Bird is Easier to Train—African Greys or Crows?

African Grey Parrots are easier to train than crows. 

Cornell University research in 2019 found that African Greys had a training success rate of 85%.

Crows are harder to train because of their natural instincts. McGill University research in 2021 showed a 50% success rate for training crows raised in captivity.

Can Crows or African Greys Understand Human Speech?

African Grey Parrots understand and mimic human speech better than crows. 

Harvard University research found African Greys mimic speech with 75-80% accuracy and use words in context. Crows cannot mimic speech as well as parrots.

Are Ravens and Crows Smarter Than African Grey Parrots?

Ravens and crows are better at problem-solving, but African Greys excel in communication. 

A 2020 University of Exeter study found ravens had an 85% success rate in teamwork experiments.

African Grey Parrots excel in using human speech, which makes them highly skilled communicators.

Why Are African Greys and Crows Considered Among the Smartest Birds in the World?

African Grey Parrots and crows have unique intelligence. Oxford University studies in 2018 showed that African Greys excel in verbal skills.

Crows are exceptional at problem-solving and social dynamics, as shown by University of Auckland research.

What Should Pet Owners Know About African Grey Parrots Compared to Crows?

African Grey Parrots are more suitable as pets than crows. Harvard University studies showed that African Greys adapt well to home life.

Crows, while intelligent, are not ideal pets because of their wild nature. University of British Columbia research supports this.

Do Magpies and Jays Compare to African Grey Parrots and Crows?

Magpies and jays are smart but do not match African Greys or crows. University of Cambridge research in 2017 found that magpies solved problems 60-70% of the time.

New Caledonian Crows succeeded 90% of the time.

African Greys outperform magpies and jays in communication skills.

What Role Does Evolutionary Pressure Play in Bird Intelligence?

Evolutionary pressure influences the intelligence of African Greys and crows. University of Vienna research shows that challenges in finding food or navigating social situations develop problem-solving skills.

Crows evolved to steal food and cooperate, while African Greys developed vocal abilities to thrive in social environments.

Are Goffin’s Cockatoos and Keas as Intelligent as African Grey Parrots and Crows?

Goffin’s Cockatoos and Keas are smart but not as advanced as African Greys or crows. 

A 2019 University of Vienna study found Goffin’s Cockatoos solved puzzles 70% of the time. Keas had a 75% success rate in solving complex problems.

African Greys excel in communication, while crows lead in tool use and problem-solving.

What Do Experiments Tell Us About Bird Intelligence?

Experiments show African Greys and crows are advanced problem-solvers. 

Harvard University research by Dr. Irene Pepperberg showed African Greys could understand grammatical numbers and count objects with 80% accuracy.

New Caledonian Crows used tools effectively. Clark's Nutcracker, studied by University of Montana, could remember 90% of stored pine seeds months later.

How Does Predation and Food Availability Influence Bird Behavior?

Predation and food availability shape the intelligence of crows and African Grey Parrots. 

University of British Columbia found that crows use trees as lookouts and cooperate to steal food, with a 75% success rate.

African Grey Parrots use their intelligence to access food by breaking tough seeds, enhancing their adaptability.

Final Thoughts: African Grey Parrots vs. Crows

African Grey Parrots and crows excel in different areas of intelligence. If you want a bird that can talk and bond, choose an African Grey.

If you are fascinated by problem-solving, crows are incredible but are best admired in their natural habitat.

Both species are among the most intelligent in the bird world and deserve our admiration for their unique talents.