Crows have long been associated with creepiness.

After all, a group of them is called a “murder.” But maybe the birds have gotten a bad rap — maybe their most unsettling quality is really just how smart they are.

To get some insight into crows and perhaps set the record straight, Short Wave spoke with Kaeli Swift, a lecturer at the University of Washington who wrote her doctoral thesis on crow behavior. She cites three examples of crow smarts.

Short Wave Podcast

It’s science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.