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Carrion Crow (also known simply as Crow)
Contour feather, specifically a covert or upper body feather

Carrion Crow (also known simply as Crow)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: C. corone

Family: Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a smoothly rounded tip and an oval overall outline
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, typical of medium to large body feathers for this species
Rarity
Very Common
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Description

The Carrion Crow is a familiar, intelligent, all-black bird with a strong stout bill. Known for its adaptability, it is an omnivorous scavenger found across diverse landscapes from wild moors to city centers.

Colour & Pattern

Glossy black with subtle bluish-purple structural iridescence on the upper vane, fading to a charcoal grey at the fluffy base near the calamus

Barb Structure

Pennaceous at the upper distal end and plumulaceous at the proximal base with soft, fluffy barbs; barbicels are present and interlock well in the upper vane

Texture & Surface

Smooth and glossy in the pennaceous upper section with a soft, downy base; exhibits a matte sheen under direct light

Key Features

Solid glossy black coloration with subtle blue-purple sheen, rounded tip, and a stout, pale greyish-white rachis transitioning to a fluffy base

Habitat

Open countryside, agricultural land, woodlands, river valleys, and urban or suburban parks

Geographic Range

Widespread across western and central Europe as well as parts of eastern Asia

Ecological Role

Acts as an important scavenger and seed disperser, helping to clean up organic debris while maintaining ecosystem balance

Similar Species

Rook (Corvus frugilegus) and Common Raven (Corvus corax); distinguished by smaller size and lack of bare facial skin compared to rooks

Interesting Facts

Crows are among the most intelligent birds on Earth, capable of using tools, recognizing human faces, and solving complex multi-step problems

Condition Notes

Good condition with intact barbs and only minor wear at the apex; no visible fault bars or parasitic damage

Notes

Dalkeith

Carrion Crow (also known simply as Crow) | Feather Identifier