American Crow (also known as the Common Crow)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Secondary flight feather (Remex)
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos (High confidence)
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (Remex)
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Broadly asymmetrical with a rounded tip; the trailing vane is significantly wider than the leading vane, typical of secondary feathers in large passerines.
Size
Estimated at 5.5 to 7 inches in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of an adult American Crow, which generally fall within the 14-18 cm range.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widespread and easily recognized birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly iridescent black with subtle violet or blue-green sheen visible under direct light. The underside is a more matte, duller grayish-black. The coloration is consistent with melanin-heavy adult plumage.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous throughout the main vane with tightly interlocking barbicels. The base features a plumulaceous (downy) section for insulation. The barbs are mostly intact but show slight wear at the distal edges.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and slightly oily to the touch. The vane is moderately stiff but flexible enough to facilitate lift during flight. The surface has a slight satiny luster characteristic of corvids.
Description
An all-black large passerine with a heavy bill and a short, squared or slightly rounded tail. Crows are famous for their intelligence and 'caw-caw' vocalizations. This feather reflects the bird's sleek, durable plumage designed for both powerful flight and thermal regulation.
Key Features
Solid black coloration with iridescence, asymmetrical 'secondary' wing shape, rounded tip, and a dark rachis that transitions to a translucent quill.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, orchards, parks, suburban yards, and urban centers. Generally avoids dense, unbroken coniferous forests.
Geographic Range
Common year-round resident across most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Northernmost populations may migrate slightly south during harsh winters.
Condition Notes
Good condition; likely a naturally molted feather. Some very minor distal fraying and separation of barbs (splits) suggest it was nearing the end of its life cycle before molting.
Interesting Facts
American Crows are known to use tools, recognize individual human faces, and even hold 'funerals' for deceased members of their flock to learn about potential threats in the area.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they play a critical role in nutrient cycling by consuming carrion and controlling insect populations. They also act as sentinels, alerting other animals to predators.
Similar Species
Common Raven (feather would be significantly larger and more wedge-shaped), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/regional comparison), and various blackbirds (feathers much smaller).