American Crow

This is a sturdy flight feather from an American Crow. The bird is entirely black with a heavy bill and a characteristically fan-shaped tail in flight. Known for its high intelligence and social nature.

Uniformly iridescent black with subtle hints of violet or blue-green sheen visible under direct sunlight. The underside is a more matte grayish-black.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane, transitioning to soft, plumulaceous barbs near the base (calamus).

Smooth, glossy, and stiff. It has a high-sheen surface characteristic of melanin-rich feathers which provides durability against wear.

Solid black coloration with iridescence, rounded tip, and a lack of any white or gray pattern typical of other large birds like hawks or owls.

Extremely versatile: found in agricultural fields, open woodlands, suburban parks, urban areas, and landfills.

Common year-round resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations.

Fish Crow (nearly identical, identified by call), Common Raven (larger, more pointed feathers), and Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).

American Crows are known to recognize individual human faces and can communicate specific threats to other members of their flock.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is minor fraying near the base suggesting a natural molt.