American Crow
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens) · Contour (Body feather)
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos (Commonly recognized and widespread species)
Feather Type
Contour (Body feather)
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens)
Shape
Symmetrical, broad, and rounded at the distal tip; generally spatulate in outline with a curved profile.
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length; small to medium sized body contour feather.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widespread and easily identified birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly dark brownish-black to black at the tip with a slight iridescent sheen; fades significantly to a pale greyish-white or brownish-white at the downy base.
Barb Structure
Tightly pennaceous at the dark distal end for waterproofing and aerodynamics, becoming plumulaceous (downy) and loose at the pale base for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat glossy on the dark tip; soft, airy, and flexible at the base. Characteristic matte finish on the underside.
Description
A small body feather from an American Crow, a large, intelligent, all-black perching bird. The bird itself is famous for its 'caw' call and social behavior. While the bird appears starkly black at a distance, its feathers often show subtle violet or blue iridescence in direct sunlight.
Key Features
The gradient from a deep black pennaceous distal end to a pale, downy proximal base is the classic diagnostic marker for North American corvids.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, shorelines, and suburban yards.
Geographic Range
Common year-round resident across most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to northern Mexico.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows significant curvature and some separation of the barbs at the tip, suggesting it may have been molted or weathered.
Interesting Facts
Crows are known to recognize human faces and can communicate specific threats to other members of their flock; they are among the most intelligent of all bird species.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they help control insect populations and clean up carrion, but can also impact other songbird populations through nest predation.
Similar Species
Common Raven (feathers are significantly larger); Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size comparison or vocalization context); European Starling (smaller, glossier, often tipped with white or buff).