How to get a crow to like you is simpler than it seems. These clever birds notice kindness, remember faces, and can even form bonds with people. All it takes is patience, the right food, and a calm approach. With a little effort, you may find a crow waiting for you, watching with those curious eyes, and maybe even bringing you a gift.
How to Get a Crow to Like You
If you’ve ever seen a crow watching you with those sharp, curious eyes, you may have wondered—can I get that crow to actually like me? The short answer is yes. Crows are smart, social, and capable of forming bonds with humans. But it takes patience, respect, and a little strategy.
Start With Respect
Crows notice everything. If you rush toward them or act too loud, they’ll see you as a threat. The first step is simply being calm. Stand or sit nearby without making sudden moves. Over time, the crow will see you as part of the landscape.
👉 Short answer: Move slowly, stay calm, and give the crow space—this builds trust.
Offer Food (But Do It Right)
Crows love treats, but not every snack is safe. I usually offer unsalted peanuts in the shell. They’re easy for the crow to carry and safe for them to eat. If you put food in the same spot every day, the crow will begin to associate you with good things.
👉 Short answer: Feed them safe foods like peanuts in the same place daily.
Be Consistent
Crows remember faces. If you show up around the same time each day, the crow will start expecting you. This routine helps them feel comfortable. I once had a crow that began calling from a tree every morning as soon as I stepped outside. It felt like we had our own little ritual.
👉 Short answer: Visit at the same time so the crow learns to recognize and trust you.
Avoid Forcing Interaction
It’s tempting to want to get close quickly, but crows don’t like being pushed. Let the crow come to you at its own pace. Sometimes it might just watch from a branch for weeks before getting closer. That’s normal.
👉 Short answer: Let the crow set the pace for closeness.
Show Friendliness Without Words
Crows are masters of body language. They watch how you move, your posture, and even your tone of voice. Gentle movements, a soft voice, or even whistling can show them you’re not a threat.
👉 Short answer: Use calm body language and sounds to appear safe.
My Personal Experience
When I first tried befriending a crow, I honestly didn’t expect much. I started leaving peanuts on my porch every morning. At first, the crow stayed far away, only swooping down after I left. But after a few weeks, it began waiting for me on the roof. One day, it even dropped a shiny button near my porch—a crow’s version of a “thank you.” That tiny gift made me feel like I had earned its trust.
Quick Tips to Help a Crow Like You
- Be patient—friendship takes time.
- Use safe treats like peanuts, not bread or junk food.
- Stick to a routine so they recognize you.
- Don’t stare too hard; crows may see it as a threat.
- Celebrate small signs of trust, like the crow watching you closely or calling when you arrive.
👉 Short answer: Crows like people who are patient, consistent, and kind.
1. How to Attract a Crow in 4 Minutes
If you want a crow to notice you fast, food is the best shortcut. Place a few unsalted peanuts in the shell on the ground and step back. Crows are quick to spot an easy snack, and if they feel safe, one might swoop down within minutes.
👉 Short answer: Put safe food like peanuts in a quiet spot, then wait calmly—crows notice fast.
My experience: Once, I scattered peanuts near a fence and sat still with a cup of tea. Within three minutes, a crow landed, grabbed a peanut, and flew off. The trick was staying calm and not staring too hard.
2. How to Train a Crow to Bring You Gifts
Crows sometimes return favors with shiny trinkets, but you can’t force it. Start by feeding them consistently. Over time, when they see you as a trusted friend, they may drop small items like buttons, coins, or bits of glass. Think of it as their way of saying thanks.
👉 Short answer: Feed crows regularly and patiently—eventually, they may bring small gifts in return.
My experience: I once had a crow leave a bottle cap on my porch. It wasn’t “pretty,” but to me, it was priceless because it showed trust.
3. What to Feed Crows to Befriend Them
Not all foods are safe for crows. Stick to natural, simple options. Unsalted peanuts, small pieces of fruit, or leftover cooked eggs work well. Avoid bread and junk food since those can harm them.
👉 Short answer: Safe foods like peanuts, fruit, and eggs help befriend crows—avoid bread and salty snacks.
Bullet points – Safe Foods for Crows:
- Unsalted peanuts in the shell
- Apple slices or berries
- Scrambled or boiled eggs
- Small bits of plain meat
4. How to Befriend a Crow or Raven
Crows and ravens are both clever and cautious. The process is the same: patience, consistency, and respect. Show up at the same place, offer food, and let them get used to you. Ravens may take longer, but they’re just as capable of bonding.
👉 Short answer: Befriending a crow or raven takes time—show up, feed them safely, and earn trust.
My experience: On a trip to the hills, I left apple pieces near a raven’s perch for several days. It didn’t come close at first, but by the fourth day, it began waiting for me in the mornings.
5. How to Attract Crows
If you want crows to visit your yard often, make your space welcoming. Leave water out, scatter safe snacks, and avoid chasing them away. Crows also like open areas with tall trees nearby where they can perch and watch.
👉 Short answer: Food, water, and a safe space attract crows to your yard.
Bullet points – Ways to Attract Crows:
- Leave a birdbath or shallow water bowl
- Offer peanuts in the same spot daily
- Keep noise low and movements gentle
- Allow tall trees or perches nearby
6. How Long Does It Take to Befriend a Crow
There’s no set time—it depends on the crow and your patience. Some may approach within days if food is involved, while others may take weeks or months. The key is showing up consistently and letting trust grow naturally.
👉 Short answer: Befriending a crow can take days to months, depending on consistency and patience.
My experience: The first crow I befriended took about three weeks before it felt safe enough to land near me. Every morning I’d leave peanuts, and slowly it came closer until one day it sat on the railing just a few feet away.
How to get a crow to like you fast?
Offer safe food like peanuts and stay calm. Crows notice kindness quickly. Learn more about building trust over time.
What food makes crows trust you?
Crows love unsalted peanuts, fruit, and eggs. Avoid bread or salty snacks. Learn more about safe crow treats.
Can crows really bring gifts?
Yes, some crows bring shiny objects as thanks when they trust you. Learn more about training crows gently.
How long does it take for a crow to like you?
It may take days or even months, depending on your patience and consistency. Learn more about crow bonding steps.
Can I befriend a raven the same way as a crow?
Yes, ravens respond like crows but may take longer. Learn more about bonding with both birds.
Conclusion
How to get a crow to like you comes down to trust, patience, and consistency. Offer safe food, show up daily, and let the bird set the pace. Crows remember kindness and reward it with loyalty—and sometimes even small gifts. If you respect their space, they may grow to see you not as a stranger, but as a friend worth visiting.
Also Read: How to Find a Crow Easy Guide with Proven Tips
I still remember the day that sparked my love for birds. I was just a kid, sitting in my backyard, when a tiny bird landed near me. It moved so fast, its feathers flashing in the sunlight, and then it sang—soft, clear, and almost magical. In that moment, birds became more than just creatures in the sky. They became a mystery I wanted to solve.
That curiosity never faded. It led me to study Biology at the University of Scranton, where I dove deep into the science of birds—their behavior, their calls, and the incredible ways they survive. Today, that same passion drives me, and through Earth of Birds, I get to share it with you.