question 22——32

　　crows are probably the most frequently met and easily identifiable members of the

　　native fauna of the united states . the great number of tales, legends, and myths about

　　these birds indicates that people have been exceptionally interested in them for a long

　　time. on the other hand, when it comes to substantive —— particularly behavioral ——

　　information, crows are less well known than many comparably common species and,

　　for that matter, not a few quite uncommon ones: the endangered california condor, to

　　cite one obvious example. there are practical reasons for this.

　　 crows are notoriously poor and aggravating subjects for field research. keen

　　observers and quick learners, they are astute about the intentions of other creatures,

　　including researchers, and adept at avoiding them. because they are so numerous,

　　active, and monochromatic, it is difficult to distinguish one crow from another. bands,

　　radio transmitters, or other identifying devices can be attached to them , but this of

　　course requires catching live crows, who are among the wariest and most untrappable

　　of birds.