American Crow (Common Crow)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Primary flight feathers (remiges), likely P5 or P6 based on the degree of emargination and length.
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos (Confidence: High)
Feather Type
Primary flight feathers (remiges), likely P5 or P6 based on the degree of emargination and length.
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical vanes with a narrow leading edge and a broad trailing edge. The tip is slightly rounded with visible emargination on the outer web which aids in aerodynamics and reducing turbulence.
Size
Estimated 220-260mm (8.5-10 inches) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of a medium-sized corvid.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widespread and easily recognizable birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Solid iridescent black. Under many lighting conditions, the melanin provides a deep charcoal to jet black appearance, but can show a violet or blue-green sheen (structural color) typical of corvids.
Barb Structure
Densely packed pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, air-resistant surface for flight. Some plumulaceous (downy) barbs are present at the base of the feather near the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and relatively stiff. The surface has a slight waxy bloom and feels durable. The trailing edge is slightly more flexible than the leading edge.
Description
These feathers belong to the American Crow, a large all-black passerine with a thick neck and heavy bill. In flight, they show broad, rounded wings with fanned 'fingers' (primaries) and a squared-off tail. They are famous for their intelligence and social complexity.
Key Features
Uniform black coloration with iridescent sheen; strong asymmetry of the primary flight feather; thick, dark rachis; lack of white or grey barbs common in other black birds.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, agricultural fields, orchards, urban parks, and residential neighborhoods. They avoid only dense, unbroken forests and desert regions.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Northernmost populations may migrate south during harsh winters.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is some minor fraying (zip-like separation) along the barbs toward the base and tip, suggesting these were likely molted naturally rather than lost to predation.
Interesting Facts
Crows are capable of recognizing individual human faces and can communicate that information to other members of their flock. They are also known to use tools, such as using sticks to extract insects from wood.
Ecological Role
Generalist omnivores and scavengers. They play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, but also act as nest predators for smaller songbirds.
Similar Species
Common Raven (larger, more pointed primaries, heftier rachis), Fish Crow (nearly identical, usually requires vocalization or measurement to distinguish), Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).