American Crow

A quintessential corvid feather. The American Crow is a large, all-black bird with a heavy bill and broad wings. This primary feather is built for powerful, steady flight and the social maneuvering these intelligent birds are known for

Uniformly deep black (melanistic) with a subtle iridescent violet or blue sheen visible in direct light. The underside is slightly more matte or gray-toned

Densely packed and tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane, with plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs at the base near the calamus

Smooth, glossy, and relatively stiff. The surface has a structural sheen that helps with water repellency and aerodynamic efficiency

Solid black coloration, strong asymmetry of the vanes, iridescent sheen, and a white/pale base of the calamus

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban yards, and coastal areas

Widespread across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Most populations are year-round residents, though northernmost birds may migrate south

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; plays a vital role in seed dispersal and waste removal (carrion). They are highly social and alert other birds to predators

Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/voice comparison), and Brewer’s Blackbird (much smaller)

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

Good condition with minor wear at the edges (fraying). Intact rachis and well-zipped barbs suggest a relatively fresh molt