The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think

by Jennifer Ackerman

As one of the most playful animals on the planet, ravens embody a mystery. Play is a strange behavior in any animal, says Osvath. “There are so many good reasons not to do it.” It takes a lot of energy that could be used for other purposes—growing, for instance. It’s also inherently risky. “If you’re out in the wild, and everyone is playing, then no one is paying attention to any potential threat. A bird at play is particularly conspicuous to predators, which are never far away.” The behavior seems at best extravagant; at worst, downright dangerous. “Out in the wild, playing must be very important,” says Osvath. “Otherwise, why would you make yourself vulnerable in this way? It’s a world of eagles, owls, even wolves out there. Distraction at the wrong moment could mean the end of you.”