ExploreBird

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

The American Crow is a smart, black bird that loves to chat! You can often see them flying in groups or hopping around in parks.

Habitat: Open fields, parks, and forests.

Appearance

The American Crow is a medium-sized bird with entirely iridescent, glossy black plumage covering its body, beak, and legs. It has a robust body, a strong, straight bill, and a distinct fan-shaped tail, which helps distinguish it from the larger, wedge-tailed Common Raven.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusCorvus

American Crow

Interesting facts

A group of American Crows is famously called a "murder."

Crows have been seen 'mobbing' large birds of prey to chase them away.

Crows sometimes lead predators to other bird nests to steal their eggs!

They can mimic a wide range of sounds, even human speech!

Special abilities

American Crow can use sticks or stones as tools because of their problem-solving intelligence, helping them access hidden food sources.

American Crow can remember human faces for years because of their advanced cognitive abilities, helping them identify threats or helpers.

American Crow can communicate complex messages using over 25 distinct calls, helping them coordinate group activities and warn of predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 40-50 cm
Wingspan: 85-100 cm
Weight: 0.3-0.6 kg
Lifespan: 7-8 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-6
Incubation: 17-18 days

Diet & Feeding

Omnivores eating insects, seeds, fruit, eggs, small animals, and carrion.

Primary Foods

insects
seeds
berries
small mammals
eggs
carrion

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Major predator of crow eggs and young.

hunts

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Crows sometimes raid nests for squirrel young.

eats

Western Corn Rootworm

Diabrotica virgifera

Consumes insect pests like rootworms in fields.

shelters

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Nests in tall trees like sycamores.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Tool Use

Discover amazing animals that cleverly use objects from their environment to help them find food, build homes, or protect themselves. They're nature's clever inventors!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.