American Crow
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Primary flight feather (remiges), likely an outer primary such as P7 or P8
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (remiges), likely an outer primary such as P7 or P8
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical vane with a rounded to slightly tapered tip. Notable emargination is present on the leading edge (outer vane) to reduce drag during flight.
Size
Approximately 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of an adult American Crow, which typically range between 6 and 10 inches depending on position.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widely recognized and abundant birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly iridescent black or deep brownish-black depending on light. Under direct sunlight, it may show a violet or blue sheen. The ventral (under) side appears more matte and grayish-black.
Barb Structure
Primarily pennaceous and tightly interlocked with hooklets for flight stability. The base near the calamus shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and stiff with a glossy, waxy finish on the dorsal side. The vane is highly rigid to withstand the pressure of powerful flapping flight.
Description
This is a sleek, black primary feather from an American Crow. The bird itself is a large, all-black passerine with a heavy bill and a fan-shaped tail. Crows are known for their intelligent behavior, 'caw-caw' vocalizations, and social complexity.
Key Features
Deep black coloration with iridescent sheen, significant vane asymmetry, and the specific size and stiffness characteristic of a large corvid flight feather.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, suburban yards, city parks, and shorelines. They avoid dense, unbroken coniferous forests.
Geographic Range
Widespread across most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are year-round residents in most of their range, with some northern populations moving south in winter.
Condition Notes
Good to Excellent. The edges show very minor wear, suggesting it was recently molted or lost by a healthy bird. The calamus is clear, indicating a natural molt.
Interesting Facts
Crows are incredibly intelligent; they can recognize individual human faces, use tools, and even solve multi-step puzzles. They often gather in massive winter roosts numbering in the thousands.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavengers and predators. They play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, though they also impact songbird populations by predating nests.
Similar Species
Common Raven (larger, more tapered tip), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/voice comparison), and Chihuahuan Raven (found in SW deserts, slightly different proportions).