American Crow

A jet-black feather from the American Crow, a large, intelligent passerine known for its social complexity. These birds have a wingspan of 33-39 inches and are famous for their 'caw-caw' vocalizations.

Uniformly iridescent black with a subtle violet-blue or greenish sheen when viewed in direct light. The underside is a duller, matte charcoal grey.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the upper 90% of the feather; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base for insulation.

Smooth, slightly stiff, and remarkably glossy. The structural color creates a polished, metallic appearance typical of corvids.

Total black coloration, high-gloss iridescence, rounded tip, and a stiff, dark rachis. Lack of white or grey banding distinguishes it from hawks or owls.

Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, agricultural fields, orchards, parks, and suburban or urban environments.

Year-round resident across most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Generalist omnivore and scavenger; plays a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect/pest populations.

Common Raven (larger, more pointed feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/voice comparison), or Black Vulture (lacks identical iridescence).

American Crows are known to use tools, recognize individual human faces, and even hold 'funerals' for deceased members of their flock.

Good condition; slight mechanical wear (fraying) near the base. No visible fault bars, indicating the bird had adequate nutrition during molt.