American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Description: The American crow, which is found across all of the United States and most of Canada is an all black bird that is about 17.5 inches long. It is often misidentified as a raven, a bird to which it is closely related. Crows differ from ravens in appearance by their shorter, thinner beaks, and by their size - about six inches shorter than a raven. Crows may appear to be a deep purple color in bright sunlight.

Habitat: Crows can be found in a variety of different habitats, though they generally prefer open and partially open areas. They are commonly found on tidal flats, in agricultural fields and orchards, riparian forests (forests along the edge of a lake or stream), on savannas, and in suburban areas. They avoid dense forests, where they are more vulnerable to predators.

Diet: Crows like to feed in open areas, and sometimes forage and catch food cooperatively. Crows are carnivores (meat eaters), granivores (eaters of grains and small hard fruits), and invertevores (eaters of invertebrates). They most commonly eat small animals, grain, fruits, insects, and carrion (the flesh of dead animals). Crows are essentially opportunistic - they will eat whatever is available.

Nesting: Crows make their nests in trees, shrubs, and on utility poles at varying heights above the ground. The average height for a crow’s nest is about 24 feet. Their nests are cup shaped and made of twigs. A female crow will lay 3 - 7 eggs in the nest and incubates them for about 18 days, during which time her male partner will feed her. The male and the female will both tend their young birds, which are able to fly at 4 - 5 weeks, and disperse in about 2 months, or may stay in the area where they were born.

Behavior: Although it is not widely known, the very common American crow is one of the most intelligent of all birds. The crow’s intelligence is apparent in its ability to communicate a wide range of messages through its call. It can communicate warning, threat, taunting, and cheer to other crows by varying the “caw” sound it makes. Its cries of warning are specific enough that some animals other than crows are also able to use them as signals of dangerous predators.

Did you know?

• A group of crows is called "A Murder".