Dayna Slater, the founder of Good Caws Crow Rescue in Prince George, B.C., marvels at the resilience of a crow named Riven, who has managed to evade capture despite half of her face being severely damaged. Riven, which means split or ruptured, drew attention when volunteers noticed her beak hanging off her face, raising concerns about her ability to feed and groom. Efforts were made to attract Riven with food for rehabilitation, but she proved elusive and chose to keep her distance from humans.
Although Riven’s broken beak is still attached, it is expected to fall off soon. Recent observations show that Riven has adapted by using the remaining portion as a scoop for food, tilting her head to aid in swallowing. Slater noted that Riven’s feathers are in good condition, indicating that she has either learned to preen herself or is being cared for by her family.
Preening is crucial for maintaining feathers for insulation and flight. The rescue team will monitor Riven closely to ensure her well-being, especially as the seasons change. Slater expressed admiration for Riven’s resilience, comparing her ability to cope with such a severe injury to how humans would require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.