Researchers for the Massachusetts Transit Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they might have died from avian flu.
A bird pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and to everyone's relief, confirmed the cause of death was NOT avian flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
However, during the analysis, it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the birds' beaks and claws.
By analyzing these paint residues, it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impacts with trucks, while only 2% had been killed by an impact with a car.
MTA then hired an ornithological behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck vs. car kills.
He very quickly concluded the cause: When crows eat road kill, they always have a lookout crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger.
They discovered that while all of the lookout crows could shout "Cah," not a single one could shout "Truck."
