A common all-black bird that's among the most adaptable and intelligent of North American birds. Forms loose roosts of thousands in autumn.

Also called: Common Crow, American Crow

Native status: Native; widespread, abundant

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 40–50 cm (16–20 in); wingspan 84–101 cm
Weight320–620 g (11–22 oz)
LifespanWild typically 8 years; oldest documented 17
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyCorvidae

§ Encyclopedia

The American crow is a large passerine bird species of the family Corvidae. It is a common bird found throughout much of North America, only absent from the tundra biome. The American crow is the New World counterpart to the carrion crow and the hooded crow of Eurasia, occupying similar ecological niches.

Source: Wikipedia — American crow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Familiar all-black bird with fan-shaped tail (vs. raven's wedge). Slightly smaller and more slender than raven.

Similar species. Common Raven (larger, wedge-shaped tail, shaggy throat). Fish Crow (smaller, "ah-uh" call).

Voice. Iconic "caw-caw" call; complex vocabulary with many variations.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: insects, fruits, eggs, nestlings, carrion, garbage.

Behavior. Highly intelligent; can recognize and remember individual human faces. Forms loose roosts of thousands in autumn.

§ Range

Across most of North America

§ Habitat

Diverse: agricultural areas, forests, suburbs, cities

§ Threats

West Nile virus (crows are particularly susceptible), corn baiting programs, vehicle strikes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american crow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Skip yard pesticides. Tolerate crow flocks. Report dead birds to local wildlife agencies.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018