American Crow

A classic corvid feather: deep black, robust, and functional. The bird itself is a large, all-black passerine with a heavy bill, measuring 16-21 inches with a squared-off tail.

Uniformly iridescent black to deep charcoal grey on the dorsal surface, appearing slightly lighter or more matte on the ventral side. No banding or spots present.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency; the base shows a significant plumulaceous (downy) section for insulation.

Smooth and slightly glossy with a structural iridescence that may show subtle blue or purple hints in direct sunlight; stiff vane with a soft, downy base.

Solid black coloration, rounded tip without emargination, and a distinctive fuzzy white/grey downy base section.

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban yards, and shorelines.

Widespread across North America from southern Canada throughout the continental United States to northern Mexico; mostly resident with some northern migration.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; plays a vital role in cleaning carrion and controlling insect populations. Significant as a sentinel for West Nile Virus.

Common Raven (larger, more pointed), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/audio context), or Black Vulture (much larger, different texture).

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

Good condition; minor fraying at the tip suggests environmental wear or contact with branches before molting.