American Crow

A large, all-black passerine with a heavy bill and a short, squared-off or slightly rounded tail. Known for their intelligence and highly social 'murders' or flocks. They have a steady, rhythmic wingbeat and a distinctive 'caw-caw' vocalization.

Uniformly iridescent black to deep charcoal-brown; shows a subtle violet or blue sheen under direct light (structural coloration); the underside (ventral) is more matte and greyish

Densely pennaceous throughout the majority of the vane for aerobic efficiency; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus for insulation; barbs are tightly interlocked by barbules

Smooth, glossy, and slightly stiff; the surface has a waxy feel providing some water resistance; the leading edge is firm to cut through the air

Solid black coloration with iridescent sheen; asymmetrical wing feather shape; sturdy black rachis; lack of any white or grey markings even at the base of the barbs

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

Year-round resident across most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to northern Mexico

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations; they are also highly susceptible to West Nile Virus.

Common Raven (larger, more pointed tip), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires size/voice/location for distinction), or Boat-tailed Grackle (more tapered and glossier)

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

Good condition; minor fraying at the tip and along the trailing edge suggests it was naturally molted; no visible fault bars or parasite damage