American Crow

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Least Concern

Famed as the harbinger of folklore and superstitions, the American Crow is a ubiquitous black bird that graces the landscapes of North America. Known for their jet-black feathers, intelligence, and complex social structures, these birds are as intriguing in their behavior as they are in their appearance. Despite their association with urban areas, American Crows display a versatility that allows them to inhabit a variety of environments, making them one of the continent's most adaptable and resilient birds.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Black

Primary Color (juvenile)

Black

Secondary Colors

Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Black

Wing Color (juvenile)

Black

Beak Type

Long and Sharp

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Black

Leg Color (juvenile)

Black

Distinctive Markings

All black with glossy feathers

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Less glossy than adults

Tail Description

Fan-shaped

Tail Description (juvenile)

Less fan-shaped

Size Metrics

40cm to 53cm

Length

85cm to 100cm

Wingspan

316g to 620g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Caw-caw or kraa

Call Description

Distinctive, loud, clear, and can imitate sounds

Alarm Calls

Harsh, high pitched

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Foraging in early morning and late afternoon

Social Habits

Highly social, lives in large family groups

Territorial Behavior

Defends nesting territory aggressively

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory, but may move to food-rich areas in winter

Interaction with Other Species

Friendly with other crows, but aggressive towards predators

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Crops, Small Mammals, Eggs

Feeding Habits

Scavenging and opportunistic

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Direct picking and scavenging

Diet Variations

Varies significantly based on season and location

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None

Nesting

Nesting Location

Tall trees

Nest Construction

Sticks, twigs, and lined with soft materials

Breeding Season

April to July

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Usually one, but sometimes two

Egg Appearance

Blue or greenish with brown markings

Egg Size

Approximately 4 x 3 cm

Clutch Characteristics

3-9 eggs

Incubation Period

18 days

Fledgling Period

20 to 40 days

Parental Care

Both parents care for chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

North America

Habitat Description

Open woods, fields, and urban areas

Elevation Range

Sea level to high mountain areas

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory, but may move to food-rich areas in winter

Biome

Forest, Urban

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact

Resident or Present

Canada, United States of America, Mexico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

7

14

Average Lifespan

8 year(s)

Maturity Age

2 year(s)

Breeding Age

2 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Monogamous

Age-Related Changes

None

Conservation Status

Current Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss, vehicular collisions

Conservation Efforts

None

Population Trend

Populations are increasing but affected by West Nile Virus

Classification

Other names:

Common Crow

Family:

Corvidae

Population size:

31,000,000

Population trend:

Increasing

Conservation status:

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

Get the best of Birdfact

Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.

Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.

© 2024 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.