American Crow (Common Crow)

This is a sleek, black secondary wing feather from the American Crow. The bird is entirely black, including the bill and legs, with a heavy bill and a fanshaped tail in flight. They are known for their 'caw-caw' vocalizations and highly social, intelligent behavior.

Uniformly iridescent black on the dorsal surface with a subtle violet or blue sheen in direct light. The ventral (under) side is a duller, matte charcoal gray. The very base of the barbs near the calamus is pale gray.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane, giving it a solid wind-resistant surface. The base shows loose, gray plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

Smooth and glossy on the upper surface due to structural coloration; the vane feels stiff and resilient. The trailing edge is slightly more flexible than the leading edge.

Solid black coloration with iridescent sheen; rounded tip; gray downy base; 7+ inch length; lack of white or brown markings characteristic of other large birds.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, suburban yards, and shorelines. They generally avoid unbroken dense forests.

Ubiquitous across North America from southern Canada throughout the United States to northern Mexico. Most populations are year-round residents.

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations. They are also known to track food sources for other predators.

Common Raven (larger, more pointed feathers, oily sheen); Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires measurements/location); Black Vulture (much larger, silver-gray undersides).

Crows are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of using tools, recognizing individual human faces, and mourning their dead in 'funerals'.

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the very tip and along the trailing edge (distal end), suggesting some wear prior to molting. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.