The often tenuous peace between man and bird has been maintained for centuries by the exchange of stale bread. But sometimes tensions boil over, as is the case in Istanbul, where local crows are conducting a guerilla campaign against residents.

Birds have been terrorising pedestrians (and a cat) for the past week in Istanbul's Ümraniye area. Swooping down on unsuspecting victims, the crows (collectively called a 'murder,' of course) have revenge on their minds.

Hurriyet Daily News reports that the attacks began after a nestling fell from a utility pole and was crushed beneath the wheels of a car.

The paper claims that the birds have mainly harassed the elderly and have not targeted children.

The crows have not yet released their demands, and it is unclear whether they aim to continue their campaign of intimidation or they are willing to open peaceful negotiations.