The Corvidae are a cosmopolitan family of passerine birds (commonly known as perching birds) that includes crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. Often referred to as the crow family, there are approximately 135 species of corvids worldwide, including the largest member, the Common Raven.
Corvids are renowned for their remarkable intelligence and are considered among the most cognitively advanced birds studied to date. Their problem-solving abilities, complex social behaviors, and impressive adaptations have fascinated scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. In this program, we will explore the corvid family as a whole, focusing on the extraordinary adaptations and intelligence that have helped these birds thrive around the world. The presentation will also include species accounts of the corvids that call New York home.
In this program, Stella Miller will explore the corvid family,
as a whole, focusing on the extraordinary adaptions and
intelligence that have helped these birds thrive around the
world. Stella will include accounts of the corvids that call
New York home.
Stella is the founder of Holistic Birding, a conservation and
educational initiative (Holisticbirding.org). She is the
former Communication, Education, and Outreach Manager
for Wild Birds Unlimited of Syosset and the former
president of Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon, a position
she held for 10 years. She has been deeply involved in
bird conservation since 2006. She co-founded the
Preserve Plum Island Coalition. She has coordinated
habitat restoration initiatives, mentored youth, launched
national campaigns to protect raptors, and presented live
bird of prey programs. Stella is a member of the
Palisades Interstate Parks League of Naturalists and has
participated in wildlife surveys in Harriman State Park and
is presently working on a guide to the birds of Harriman.
She is an experienced public speaker and presents on a
wide variety of bird and conservation related topics.
