The level of cognitive ability and the evolution of cognition in animals are difficult problems in the field of animal research. Corvids are as good as apes in tool use, episodic memory, inhibition and inhibitory control, etc. This paper summarized the major cognitive studies on corvids in the past 3 to 4 decades, and classified these cognitive studies into 3 categories: fundamental cognition, physical cognition and social cognition. Fundamental cognition or the general cognitive ability refers to the ability to have general meanings, and is the same psychological characteristics that can be displayed in solving different cognitive problems; Physical cognition refers to an individual's cognition of the laws of nature, mainly including object permanence, numerical ability and the use of tools. Social cognition mainly refers to the process in which individuals speculate and judge other individuals' psychological states, behavioral motivations and intentions. We introduces the main research paradigms of the above three kinds of cognitive abilities in order to provide theoretical basis for animal cognitive research in China. At present, most studies are focused on birds of the genus Corvus, but not enough on other birds of Corvidae or other passerine birds. In addition, there are significant differences in natural histories or ecological factors such as the sociality, distribution range, and foraging strategies of Corvidae birds. For the follow-up researches, we suggest to pay attention to the impact of ecological factors on the cognitive ability, or design a more reasonable research paradigm based on the habitat and habit of corvids.