A lyrical blend of science, memoir, history, and natural philosophy that uses the intelligence and adaptability of urban crows to encourage us to notice—and rethink—our relationship with the wild world around us.
“A completely charming and informative book on the pleasures of keeping one's eyes open.” —David Sedaris
Crow Planet explores the surprisingly complex lives of crows and what their presence in cities and suburbs can teach us about the natural world. Lyanda Lynn Haupt combines personal observations, scientific research, history, mythology, and stories about her encounters with crows to reveal their intelligence, adaptability, social behavior, and close relationship with humans.
More broadly, the book challenges the idea that nature exists somewhere “out there,” separate from our everyday lives. By paying attention to crows and other wildlife in ordinary urban environments, Haupt encourages readers to become more observant and to reconsider humanity’s place within the larger ecological community, turning an ordinary backyard bird into a doorway to deeper questions about conservation, interconnectedness, and our relationship with the wild.
More broadly, the book challenges the idea that nature exists somewhere “out there,” separate from our everyday lives. By paying attention to crows and other wildlife in ordinary urban environments, Haupt encourages readers to become more observant and to reconsider humanity’s place within the larger ecological community, turning an ordinary backyard bird into a doorway to deeper questions about conservation, interconnectedness, and our relationship with the wild.