American Crow

The American Crow is a large, all-black bird with a thick neck, heavy bill, and squared-off tail in flight. They have a wingspan of about 33-39 inches. Their plumage is entirely black and can appear highly iridescent in direct sunlight. They are known for their 'caw-caw' vocalization and highly social, intelligent behavior.

Uniformly iridescent black/charcoal on the dorsal surface with a subtle blue-violet or greenish sheen typical of Corvids. The ventral surface is a more matte, lighter grey-black. The rachis is dark but transitions to a pale, translucent white at the calamus (quill).

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout the majority of the vane, providing the necessary lift for flight. The base shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure near the calamus.

Smooth and glossy on the upper surface with a slight oily sheen that provides water resistance. The texture is stiff and resilient, designed to withstand the pressures of flight.

Uniform black coloration with iridescent sheen; pale translucent calamus; asymmetrical vane indicating a flight feather; lack of the shaggy throat feathers (hackles) found in Ravens.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, residential areas, and coastal regions. Common in the high desert and ponderosa pine forests around Bend, OR.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are highly adaptable and do not typically migrate long distances unless in the extreme northern reaches of their range.

Generalist omnivores that act as important scavengers, seed dispersers, and occasional predators of small animals and other birds' eggs. They help maintain ecosystem health by cleaning up carrion.

Common Raven (Corvus corax) feathers are significantly larger and the rachis is thicker. Brewer's Blackbird feathers are much smaller with a more intense greenish iridescence.

Crows are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of using tools, recognizing individual human faces, and even mourning their dead. They have a brain-to-body mass ratio similar to that of Great Apes.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact with minimal fraying. The pale color of the calamus suggests it was a naturally molted feather rather than one pulled forcibly.

Bend OR