American Crow

The American Crow is a large, intelligent, all-black passerine bird. They are known for their adaptability and complex social structures. The feathers are entirely black but can show an iridescent purplish or bluish sheen in good lighting.

Solid black with structural iridescence (purplish/bluish sheen) visible in direct light. The rachis is light near the base, transitioning to dark.

Tightly interlocked (pennaceous) with some loose barbs near the base

Stout rachis, light colored calamus (base), transitioning to dark shaft. Dense pennaceous barbs on both sides.

Smooth, slightly stiff, glossy appearance due to iridescence.

Wing (secondary)

All black coloration with subtle iridescence; relatively large size for a passerine feather; distinct light-colored base on the rachis.

Found in a wide variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, agricultural areas, parks, and urban environments.

Common resident throughout much of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a role in waste removal and can act as seed dispersers, but are also known nest predators.

Common Raven (Corvus corax) feathers are larger and often more distinctly pointed (especially throat hackles). Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) feathers are smaller but otherwise identical in appearance.

Crows are known for their high intelligence, capable of making and using tools, recognizing human faces, and communicating complex information to other crows.

Crows feature prominently in mythology and folklore worldwide, often associated with intelligence, adaptability, and sometimes as tricksters or omens.

Look for all-black feathers with a slight sheen in areas where crows are known to roost or forage. The size (6-8 inches for a secondary) is a good indicator to differentiate from larger ravens.

Good condition, with some minor fraying/separation of barbs along the edges.