American Crow
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Family: Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane with a slightly rounded to blunt tip; the trailing vane is significantly wider than the leading vane, which is characteristic of flight feathers.
- Size
- Estimated 5.5 to 6.5 inches (14-16 cm) in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of an adult American Crow, which typically range from 5 to 7 inches depending on the specific position (S1-S6).
- Rarity
- Very Common; one of the most recognizable and widespread birds in North America.
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Description
This is a sleek, black flight feather from an American Crow. The bird itself is large (16-21 inches) with all-black plumage, a stout bill, and a fan-shaped tail in flight. Known for its 'caw-caw' vocalization and remarkable intelligence.
Colour & Pattern
Uniformly iridescent black with a subtle violet or blue-green sheen visible under direct lighting. The underside (ventral) is a more matte, charcoal grey-black. There are no bands or spots, which is diagnostic for the species.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and slightly oily to the touch for water repellency. The upper surface exhibits a structural iridescent glow, while the lower surface is duller and flatter in texture.
Key Features
Solid black coloration with iridescence, asymmetrical vane shape, dark rachis, and the absence of any white or grey banding found in other large black birds.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, suburban yards, and shorelines. They avoid only dense, unbroken forests and treeless deserts.
Geographic Range
Common year-round resident across most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Northernmost populations may migrate short distances south during harsh winters.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavenger and opportunistic predator. They play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, though they also impact agricultural crops.
Similar Species
Common Raven (feather would be much larger and more wedge-shaped), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/voice comparison), or Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller feather).
Interesting Facts
Crows are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of using tools, recognizing individual human faces for years, and holding complex 'funerals' for deceased flock members.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some separation of the barbs (zipping/fraying) on the trailing edge and base, likely due to natural wear or the mechanical stress of being shed and found.