American Crow

An all-black large passerine known for its intelligence. This feather is a primary flight feather, designed for powerful flapping flight. The bird itself has a thick neck, heavy bill, and a fan-shaped tail in flight, often seen in large social groups or 'murders.'

Uniformly iridescent black to deep charcoal brown; structural coloration provides a subtle violet or blue sheen in direct sunlight; rachis is dark pigmented

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout most of the vane for flight rigidity; some plumulaceous (downy) barbs visible at the very base of the calamus

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal surface; matte and slightly paler on the ventral (underside) surface; feels remarkably sturdy

Solid black coloration with iridescent sheen; distinct asymmetry of the vanes; deep notched emargination on the outer web; stiff, dark rachis

Highly adaptable; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban yards, and shorelines

Found throughout North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico; mostly resident, but northernmost populations may migrate south

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; plays a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations; serves as a sentinel for other species

Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, identified by voice), Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller feather size)

Crows are among the most intelligent animals, capable of using tools, recognizing individual human faces, and mourning their dead in social gatherings

Good condition; minor fraying at the tip and along the trailing edge suggests it may be a naturally molted feather from an adult bird