American Crow
Common Name:
American Crow
Class:
Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family:
Corvidae
Genus:
Corvus
Species:
Corvus brachyrhynchos
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Photo: M. Noonan |
TAXONOMY
The American Crow is a member of the Order
Passeriformes, meaning perching birds. It is in the
Family Corvidae, which includes crows, ravens, jays,
magpies, nutcrackers, and jackdaws. The genus Corvus
means “True Crow.” The American Crow is a medium-sized,
all black corvid that has a black bill, black legs and
feet, and black plumage. Its typical length ranges from
43-53 centimeters, with an average mass anywhere from
315-575 grams. The species is not dichromatic, meaning
that males and females look very similar. The only
difference observed is that males tend to be slightly
larger.
HABITAT/DIET
American Crows are found almost all over North
America, preferring open habitats with
the presence of scattered trees, windbreaks, or forest edges. As
such, they can be found in or near pastures, parks, golf courses,
cemeteries, villages, rivers, etc. They are omnivorous and are known
to eat just about anything that is edible, ranging from small birds
and animals, eggs, crops, seeds, fruits, and even trash thrown away
by humans. American Crows are known to be opportunistic and vigilant
hunters and foragers and their increased capacitance for
intelligence helps them in this regard.

Photo: M. Noonan
BEHAVIOR
American Crows are monogamous and have only one brood
per mating season. However, if the first attempt fails, a pair may
try to re-nest. Both males and females participate in nest building
but once the eggs are laid, the female incubates the eggs while the
male protects her and the nest. The male rarely feeds the female
while she is nesting though she will be fed by helpers which are
often offspring from a previous brood. The American Crow is known to
stay relatively close to where it was born so they are living near
their relatives. Predators of the crow include raccoons, hawks, owls,
and cats. To defend against such predators, crows will use mobbing
calls and attack the predator in a large group. Crows tend to walk
with a noticeable waddle and head bob. They have been observed
participating in many odd behaviors, particularly when they are
young, such as logrolling on plastic cups, playing tug-of-war with
one another, or even fencing one another with their bills. Their higher degree of intelligence, compared to other birds, makes
them curious about their environment and more likely to interact
with in unique ways.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
American Crows are can be seen any time of the year pretty much everywhere
that has at least some open space. This includes cemeteries, homes,
and fields. Check in suburbs and along forest edges for crows as well.

Photo: Sara Morris
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