Rescued crow learns to imitate Prince George shelter operator’s ‘dramatic’ sneeze
listen to this article
estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article has been generated by AI-based technology. There may be incorrect pronunciations. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results.
Crows and crows are known to be talented imitators, but one particular bird is attracting attention for its unusual, and ear-shattering, mimicry.
“I’m a dramatic sneezeer and he caught on to that immediately,” said Dena Slater, founder of Good Crows Crow Rescue in Prince George, B.C.
“He says, ‘I like to make noise too, let’s do this.'”
A crow in the care of Good Crows Crow Rescue in Prince George, B.C. has started saying his name — and imitating the sneezes of the rescue’s founder.
Slater shared a video of Huxley, a three-year-old crow, sitting in his backyard making loud sneezing sounds while repeatedly saying his name.
“It’s his favorite thing to do in the morning,” he told CBC. radio west Host Sarah Penton. “So far the neighbors haven’t said much, they love the birds.”
Slater founded Good Cows when her friends and neighbors, learning of her love of birds, began contacting her about injured carcasses they encountered.
Huxley the raven was rescued by Good Crows Crow Rescue in Prince George, BC in 2023. He is now a permanent resident and ambassador of the non-profit organization.
Realizing that there was nowhere for them to be rehabilitated in the area, she took the step to become a licensed wildlife rescuer able to care for the crows, ravens and magpies in the area. There are currently 20 birds in their care, including 10 crows, two crows and two magpies.
“They are creatures of myth and legend in many cultures,” he said. “They deserve respect and help.”
Huxley came to him in 2023 in the form of a newborn baby that had fallen from its nest. Unable to fly, he is a permanent resident and ambassador for the rescue, who also attempts to return birds to the wild when he is able.
radio west2:59The Sneezing Crows Meet Huxley
Good Cause Crow Rescue Dana Slater tells Sarah Penton about her rescued crow, who has started imitating her ‘dramatic’ sneezes.
She is a prime example of why Slater says she loves birds, showing a strong sense of individuality and intelligence.
She says Huxley loves squeaky toys, bathrooms, and his companion, a crow named Bobby. He also dislikes snow and cold, preferring to stay indoors during extreme winter weather.
And besides sneezing, she has a few other favorite phrases she picked up from her time spent with Slater, including her own name and “that’s not good”, which Slater tells her when he pinches her while petting her.
“He usually likes to calm down all the birds that come to the rescue with his jibber-jabber,” Slater said.
