American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Visual Identification
Appearance
The American Crow is a large, all-black bird with a robust body, strong legs, and a thick, slightly curved bill. Its plumage has a glossy sheen that can appear iridescent, with hints of purple, blue, or green in bright sunlight.
Males and females are identical in appearance, while juveniles have a duller, brownish-black plumage and blue eyes that change to brown as they mature.
Size
Length
40cm to 53cm
Wingspan
85cm to 100cm
Weight
316g to 620g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
American Crows are widely distributed across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, fields, coastal areas, and urban environments.
While some northern populations migrate south for winter, many are year-round residents, especially in the United States. Their adaptability has led to a significant presence throughout their range in both rural and urban areas.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a American Crow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The American Crow demonstrates remarkable agility in flight and on the ground. Their ability to perform aerial displays during courtship, navigate through diverse habitats, and execute precise movements when using tools or foraging showcases their high level of agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not the strongest bird, American Crows possess considerable strength for their size. Their robust bodies and strong legs enable them to handle a variety of food items, including small animals and tough-skinned fruits. Their ability to construct large nests high in trees also indicates good strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
American Crows excel in adaptability. Their presence in diverse habitats from sea level to 2,000 metres, success in both rural and urban environments, and ability to thrive on varied diets demonstrate exceptional adaptability. Their problem-solving skills and tool use further underscore this trait.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These birds display significant aggression, particularly in defence of their territory and when mobbing predators. Their willingness to confront larger raptors and their dominant presence in urban environments indicate a high level of assertiveness. However, they're not indiscriminately aggressive, showing complex social behaviours within their groups.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
American Crows exhibit good endurance, evidenced by their ability to forage over large areas and their partial migratory behaviour. Their lifespan of up to 14 years in the wild also suggests decent endurance. However, they're not known for extremely long-distance flights or exceptional physical stamina compared to some other bird species.
Diet
American Crows are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They consume insects, small animals, seeds, fruits, and carrion.
In urban areas, they readily adapt to human food sources, often scavenging in parks and garbage dumps, showcasing their dietary flexibility.
Behaviour
American crows are highly social and are often seen in family groups or large flocks. They exhibit complex behaviors, including tool use and cooperative breeding.
These intelligent birds are known for their problem-solving abilities, often working together to mob predators or find food sources.
Vocalisation
The American Crow's vocalizations are diverse and complex. Their most recognizable call is a loud, harsh 'caw-caw,' but they also produce a variety of rattles, coos, and clicks.
They can mimic sounds from their environment and even human speech in captivity.
Nesting & Breeding
American Crows typically form monogamous pairs, breeding from March to June. Courtship involves aerial displays and mutual feeding between mates.
Nests are large, cup-shaped structures made of twigs, bark, and grass, usually placed high in trees. Females lay 3-6 pale blue-green eggs with brown and gray speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 18 days. Nestlings fledge after 28-35 days but may remain with their parents for several years, often helping to raise subsequent broods.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the American Crow is listed as Least Concern due to its large range and adaptability, it faces threats from habitat loss and the West Nile virus.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats and monitoring population trends to ensure their continued success.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large, black birds in open areas or at the edges of woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive 'caw-caw' calls, especially in the early morning or late afternoon
- Observe their social interactions in groups, which can be quite entertaining
- In urban areas, check parks or large trees where they often roost in large numbers
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- American Crows can recognize and remember human faces for years.
- They hold 'funerals' for their dead, gathering around fallen comrades in what appears to be mourning behavior.
- These birds are known to make and use tools, such as bending wire, to create hooks for foraging.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Corvus brachyrhynchos. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22705990A131945410.
View source - 4
website, 2000: Monaghan and Metcalfe, Genome size and longevity, Trends Genet, 16:331-332
View source - 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source
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