The Bible does not mention crows by name, but it mentions “every raven after his kind” (Leviticus 11:1515Every raven after his kind; (Leviticus 11:15)). Both ravens and crows are in the same bird family—they are like cousins. So our opening verse assures us that the Creator cares for crows and even hears the cries of their young.
When fully grown, these glossy, black birds are big. They weigh about 3 pounds and are 18 or 19 inches long. Always hungry, they eat just about anything they can swallow, including mice, grubs, eggs, even small birds and small dead animals. Farmers dislike them because they pull up sprouting corn and other grains and eat them.
It is no secret to those living near crows that they do not hesitate to announce their presence with loud annoying “caws,” especially just after sunrise. In spite of this unpleasant habit, they are very intelligent birds and can easily be tamed as pets. Captive crows quickly learn tricks and can even be taught to talk as clearly as parrots do. They are clever in imitating other bird sounds too.
Spotting a lone owl trying to hide in a tree, a group of crows will come together with loud, raucous cawing and gang up to chase the owl out of the area. However, they know better than to get close to its sharp beak and talons. Crows have another annoying trick, which is to snatch a hooked fish off the end of a fisherman’s line before he can reel it in.
Crows’ nests are easy to see, as they are large, bulky nests high in treetops. The female lays four to six blue-green eggs with blotches of brown or gray.
No bird is disliked more than the crow. Yet in spite of efforts to reduce their numbers, they continually increase. They are now protected by law in many places, because of the tremendous quantity of harmful insects and small rodents they eat.
It is understandable that crows may not appeal to many people, but they are part of God’s creation. He has provided their unusual instincts and cleverness so they can perform their part of His purposes in the bird world.
The Bible tells us that every living creature is in the hands of the Lord. It is good to learn of His care over all things, even crows, but it is especially important to know that He sees and cares for every boy and girl and every grown-up: “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He [sees] all his goings” (Job 34:2121For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. (Job 34:21)). He tells us that He also thinks kindly about us: “I know the thoughts that I think toward you ... thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jeremiah 29:1111For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)).
Do you know this kind and loving Saviour personally?
ML-10/13/2013