American Crow

A large, all-black passerine with a heavy bill. Crows are known for their intelligence, social structure, and 'caw-caw' vocalizations. This feather reflects their robust, all-dark plumage designed for durability.

Uniformly charcoal black to deep ebony. Under certain lighting, it may show a subtle violet or greenish iridescent sheen characteristic of corvids.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the majority of the vane for aerodynamic flight, transition to plumulaceous near the calamus.

Stiff and relatively smooth with a slight matte-to-satin finish. The trailing edge feels softer than the rigid leading edge.

Deep black coloration, significant asymmetry of the vanes, and a sturdy, dark rachis. Lack of white or gray base helps distinguish it from some raptor feathers.

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban yards, and shorelines.

Widespread across North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Permanent resident in most of its range, with some northern populations migrating slightly south.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, but also impact songbird nests.

Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, identified better by voice), and Brewers Blackbird (much smaller).

Crows are capable of facial recognition and can remember specific humans who have threatened them, passing this information to other members of their murder (flock).

Fair to Poor condition. The trailing vane shows significant fraying and separation of the barbs ('zipped' barbicels have come undone), likely due to environmental wear or post-molt damage.