One crow generally stands watch. He is the scout team. I have a group of 4 crows that regularly stops by at my back yard. That’s because I regularly toss out a handful of corn which the crows enjoy. I like having crows because I don’t like having hawks, and the crows do a good enough squawking job to keep hawks away.
But while three crows are feeding, one stands guard, usually on a branch overlooking the area. I don’t know if it’s the same bird on the scout team each time or if they rotate. I just know that crows are super wary.
Lots of birds have scout teams. Canada geese come to mind. While a flock of 20 or 30 geese are pecking away in a corn field, there is always one with his head up keeping watch. Quail, when we had them, also had a designated “watcher” in case a hawk or fox approached.
Crows are quite family-oriented. Young crows, even though they are sexually mature, often remain “single” so they can help their parents with family chores – feeding and watching.
In nature, birds and animals must be constantly vigilant. Nature has given them this instinct in order to survive. And my small group of crows is a perfect example.