[danans]

Fascinating. A few years ago, it was reported that they also have the ability to intentionally deceive other crows:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/06/060606-crows...

That's amazing because it suggests that they're able to mentalize about other crows (and perhaps other species): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentalization

[CurtMonash]

I've never understood why scientists thought deception was a big deal. Every hunting animal that hides is engaging in a kind of deception. So are dogs and squirrels who bury things to hide them. So are the birds who feign broken wings to lead predators from their nests. So, in several ways, were the dogs I grew up with.

That said, I think that nonsense is a lot less prevalent now than it was even 10-15 years ago, let alone 30-50.