Mind of the Raven~What Level of Consciousness?

We begin reading Bernd Heinrich's Mind of the Raven this month. Heinrich is a professor of zoology at the University of Vermont. He has written over ten books, including Ravens in Winter (in which he studies the social organization of ravens) and Bumblebee Economics (in which he studies bee energy and temperature).

In Mind of the Raven Heinrich explores the cognitive qualities of ravens. He is interested in whether ravens make conscious choices, studying the ravens' strong pair-bond, use of tools, elaborate vocal communication, and play.

Ravens, of course, have a rich history in our human literature and myths. In the Bible, Noah sends out a raven to see if dry land exists, but the raven does not return. Ravens in native American myths are often associated with creation and transformation. In all cultures, th raven is typically seen as a trickster archetype.

Here's a less flattering story for ravens. It is from Aesop's Fables, called "The Raven and the Swan," in which the raven envies the swan for its white plumage:

A Raven saw a Swan and desired to secure for himself the same beautiful plumage. Supposing that the Swan's splendid white color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam, the Raven left the altars in the neighborhood where he picked up his living, and took up residence in the lakes and pools. But cleansing his feathers as often as he would, he could not change their color, while through want of food he perished. Change of habit cannot alter Nature.

Other stories and myths abound. But now to the science of ravens.