10/09/2026
Rooks have friendships, and they share their favourite food
Rooks don't simply tolerate living together. They form selective, long-term social relationships with particular individuals.
Researchers studying young rooks found that one of the behaviours involved in forming these relationships was something rather lovely: giving food to each other.
And not just leftovers.
Rooks were observed actively giving high-value, preferred foods to other birds as their social relationships developed. Once strong partnerships formed, those birds also preened each other, supported one another during conflicts and continued to share food.
Some of these strong social bonds can persist for years, potentially for life.
So when you see a rook carrying something particularly tasty, there's a chance it isn't planning to eat it at all.
It might be taking it to someone it likes.
