Some scientists consider the crow to be as intelligent, in some ways, as a primate. Ambrose Bierce, in his Devil’s Dictionary, referred to the magpie (a close relative) as “a bird whose thievish disposition suggested to some one that he might be taught to talk.” The intelligence of crows [thanks, Heron] has led to an uneasy relationship with humans. The crow is a shape-shifter, a trickster-god, and an omen of untimely and violent death. Consider: a flock of crows is known as a murder. Ian Frazier’s been working for them recently, and finds them to be the coming thing.