Home, near and far.
This species is common throughout much of North America, breeding across central Canada and from coast to coast in the United States, extending south to Florida and Texas. They generally avoid hot desert regions.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
The American Crow is a widespread and highly intelligent passerine bird found across North America. These adaptable birds are known for their entirely black plumage and distinctive vocalizations. They thrive in diverse environments, often seen in both natural and human-modified landscapes.
Resident, migratoryMedium-large sizeVaried callsOmnivorous diet
- Length
- 40-53 cm
- Wingspan
- 85-100 cm
- Weight
- 311-623 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Plumage
Entirely black feathers, bill, and legs; can appear brownish or scaly when molting.
- 02
Tail Shape
The tail is typically square-tipped or slightly rounded at the end.
- 03
Bill
Features a strong, straight, and heavy black bill.
- 04
Flight
Characterized by steady, deliberate wingbeats with minimal gliding.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
American Crows inhabit a wide range of semi-open environments, including woodlands, farmlands, open fields, river groves, and shorelines. They readily adapt to human presence, frequently found in towns, city parks, and suburban areas.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
While many American Crows are year-round residents, northern populations may migrate to the southern parts of their range during winter. They often form large communal roosts outside of the breeding season.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Their vocalizations are varied, with the familiar loud 'caw' being most common. They also produce rattling calls, dry clicking, and squeaky-hinge noises, particularly during courtship.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
American Crows are omnivorous, consuming a diverse diet of earthworms, insects, small animals, seeds, and fruit. They also scavenge on carrion, garbage, and may take eggs and nestlings from other birds.
These birds primarily forage on the ground, often in groups. They are opportunistic feeders, adapting their diet to seasonal availability and human-provided food sources. Some individuals act as sentries while others feed.
A place to begin.
Nests are typically large structures of sticks and twigs, often built in the fork of a tree 6 to 60 feet above ground. Both parents contribute to nest construction, and young from previous years may assist in raising new broods.
The little routines.
American Crows are highly social birds, often seen in groups. They form complex family units where offspring may stay for several years to help raise subsequent young. Large communal roosts, sometimes numbering in the thousands, are common in winter.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
American Crows are considered among the most intelligent bird species, capable of problem-solving and tool use.
They can recognize individual human faces and learn new dangers by observing other crows.
Winter roosts can consist of thousands, or even tens of thousands, of individuals, sometimes forming in the same locations for over a century.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Northern Raven
Corvus coraxRavens are larger with a shaggier throat, a heavier, more curved bill, and a wedge-shaped tail in flight. Their calls are deeper and more guttural.
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragusFish Crows are slightly smaller with more slender bills and feet. Their calls are often described as more nasal, sounding like 'ca' or 'ca-ha'.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.