Guide to Birds of North America

Description

BREEDING MALE

The American Crow is all black, with a fairly short tail and broad wings.

crow

Female

Same as male.

Seasonal change in appearance

None.

Juvenile

Juveniles are similar to adults.

Habitat

American Crows inhabit a wide variety of areas, including farmland, towns, shores, woodlands, and other open or semi-open country.

Diet

American Crows eat a wide variety of items including insects, eggs, fruits, grain, and carrion.

Behavior

American Crows forage on the ground or in trees.

Range

American Crows are resident across most of the U.S., except for very arid parts of the southwest and west. The population appears to be stable.

More information

Bent Life History

Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the American Crow.

Wing Shape

The shape of a bird's wing is often an indication of its habits and behavior. Fast flying birds have long, pointed wings. Soaring birds have long, broad wings. Different songbirds will have a slightly different wing shape. Some species look so much alike (Empidonax flycatchers) that scientists sometimes use the length of specific feathers to confirm a species' identification.

- Male, Washngton, Aug.

- Underside of same wing

Wing images from the University of Puget Sound, Slater Museum of Natural History

Fun Facts

American Crows are very social, and in winter can occur in roosts of tens of thousands of birds.

Some breeding American Crow pairs have helpers, young birds that assist with the raising of a brood.

Vocalizations

Calls include a harsh "caaaw," but a number of other calls are also given.

Purchase ringtone for this species www.feathertalk.com

Learn to identify bird songs with the Stokes Eastern or Western Field Guide to Bird Songs on CD.

Similar Species

Common Ravens are larger and have wedge-shaped tails. Also notice heavier bill.
Fish Crows are slightly smaller than the American Crow. Best distinguished by voice, which is more nasal in the fish Crow.
The Northwestern Crow is very similar to the American Crow. It is found along the west coast of the United States, from Washington to Alaska. Slightly smaller than American Crow. Some authorities believe it is conspecific with the American Crow. Best separated by range.

Nesting

The American Crow’s nest is a bulky clump of sticks, weeds, and mud, is lined with softer materials, and is usually placed in a tree.

Eggs

Number: 4-6 eggs.

Color: Bluish-green with darker markings.

Incubation and fledging
The young hatch at about 18 days.

Young leave the nest in about another 30-35 days, though continuing to associate with the adults for some time. Young crows may remain with the family group for a couple of years.